MEZZANA, Italy - The wait is officially over. The second 2026 World Rafting Cup has officially launched today June 26, in the iconic whitewater haven of Mezzana, nestled within the breathtaking Val di Sole, Italy. Under the governance of United Rafting, the world’s elite paddlers have gathered on the fierce, technical currents of the Noce River to kick off the action with the high-octane Sprint discipline.
Under the supervision of Chief Judge Janko Bulatovic and the strict international safety and judging standards, today the competition gets underway with the Sprint. Two timed runs will test the world's best teams, where every millisecond, every stroke, and every racing line will count in shaping the first standings.
The action begins at 16:10 local time with the Senior Mix category. Heavy hitters like the local favorites Garfagnana Rafting Team, Rafting Team Verona, and Adventure Val di Sole will look to exploit their deep knowledge of the Noce's complex hydrology, while powerhouse international crews like Switzerland’s Rhynressli and the Czech Republic’s RK Troja aim to disrupt the Italian dominance on the opening day.
Following the mixed crews, the inspiring Para category takes center stage at 16:30, embodying the highest levels of adaptive leadership, expert guiding, and elite athleticism. The battle features international lineups including the Kyiv Para-Rafting Team from Ukraine, Italy's M & N Movimento e Natura, and the Salamandre Pararafting squad representing Belgium.
At 16:38, the river will churn for the Senior Women, where an incredibly diverse grid takes the plunge. British outfits Fun Times and Red Rose will go head-to-head with continental forces such as the Turkiye Rafting Team, Austria’s Wasserrettung Tirol, and strong collaborative Italian projects like Ivrea Canoa Club - Lanakila.
Closing out the opening day under high pressure is the massive 17-team field of the Senior Men starting at 16:46. The division boasts legendary global contenders including the Japan Rafting Team Teikei, Gimpex Slovenia, Raft Team AKV Germany, Rafting Klub Bosna, and Czech crews like TR Beers and TR Hrom.
Val di Sole once again proves why it is considered a pinnacle stadium for outdoor sports media and extreme river expertise. The stage is set, the lines are drawn, and the world's best are ready to ride the rush. Stay tuned to World Rafting across all social platforms for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and official results.
Check out the starting list via the link above!
