The Last Race of World Cup Series
November 6th, 2009 | Posted in News
Media Release from 6th November 2009
by Moya Deigan
GORGEOUS GORGE VENUE FOR FINAL WORLD CUP RACE
“Spectator Heaven with Wildwater Elites”
The venue for the final race of the 2009 Hydro Tasmania ICF Wildwater World Cup – Cataract Gorge, Launceston, put on a sparkling display today with competitors basking in glorious sunshine for their final practice runs before tomorrow’s final, exhilarating race to decide who will win the 2009 World Cup.
Top of the rankings for the Women’s K1 event is Jessica Oughton who has dominated her class and is widely tipped to take out the 2009 World Cup for her division. Slovenians are maintaining their hold on two divisions with Nejc Znindarcic (pron. Nayts Zneedarcich) looking set to take line honours in the Men’s K1 World Cup, while his compatriot Jost Zakrajsek (pron. Yost Zakrashek) is the top‐ranked athlete in the Men’s C1 section. Germany currently leads the Men’s C2 class but might have a fight on its hands with Czech team not far behind in the rankings.
Competitors found the course harder than first imagined and made full use of the two days’ practice to learn the lines and deal with some of the challenging sections it presented. Tomorrow, they will get two runs over the course with their combined times deciding the outcome of the sixth and final race.
Organisers for the 2009 Hydro Tasmania ICF Wildwater World Cup, Canoe Tasmania are delighted with preparations for tomorrow’s final race of the series – the Rapid Sprint.
Chair of Canoe Tasmania, John Borojevic, said that all the ingredients were in place for a final, fantastic race at the Gorge.
“The weather forecast is great and we are expecting spectators to arrive in their thousands to see who will win the 2009 World Cup tomorrow.
“We’ve hired a shuttle bus which is free for spectators and will operate continuously between the Bathurst Street car park and the Gorge from 9.45 until 5 tomorrow. Entry to the Gorge is by gold coin donation and spectators can see all the action on the big screen located adjacent to the basin lawns. First run is at 11am, second at 1pm with ceremonies and presentations scheduled for 3.30.
“Don’t forget to bring your cow bells to cheer on the competitors!” John said.
The Australian Men’s C1 paddler, Chris Schmidt was finally able to join his team yesterday only to suffer a dislocated shoulder at the first weir. Undaunted, Schmidt is determined not to miss any more races and confirmed himself as a starter for tomorrow’s rapid sprint.
Published by Liba Roleckova | November 6th, 2009
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