The Euro Cup Rafting train rolled into Pau, France, last weekend and left a trail of foam and fire in its path. Held at the world-class Parc Aquasports, the competition attracted Europe's top rafting crews for two days of frenzied competition in three classic disciplines: Downriver, Slalom, and the fan-favorite RX.
In Senior Men, the home-course French team from Parc Aquasports put on a clinic, taking out all three events and topping the podium with a flawless total score of 300. Nipping at their heels were two Italian powerhouses: Verona-Ivrea and Ivrea CC 5, both showing some serious speed and precision in every run.
In the women's category, Italian squad Garfagnana put on a highlight reel show to take the win over French stalwarts Nay 20 and Nay 19. The Italian streak was kept alive in the Senior Mix category, with Team Verona taking an impressive gold with a blend of veteran savvy and speedy youth.
This weekend, it's on to Bosnia for another European Cup stop—expect the rapids to be just as fierce. And on the not-so-distant horizon are the World Championships: the Junior&U23 World Champs in Slovenia, followed by the Senior Worlds in Argentina. Two continents, all the categories, and some of the year's most important whitewater showdowns still to be decided.
One thing's for sure—this summer the river's calling. And Europe's rafters are eager to answer.
@worldrafting
