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The famous Tacen whitewater course once again welcomes the international elite as the world season officially gets underway at one of canoe slalom’s most iconic venues. Tacen further strengthened its reputation in recent years by successfully hosting the 2024 European Canoe Slalom Championships, confirming Slovenia’s important role within the international calendar.

A total of 196 athletes from 29 countries are entered for the opening World Cup competition, with European participation clearly dominating the event. European nations account for 149 athletes from 19 countries, representing more than 76 percent of all competitors.

Several of Europe’s top athletes arrive in Tacen following strong performances during the 2025 European Championships and are expected to be among the main names to watch this weekend.

In Men’s Kayak, Czech legend Jiri Prskavec returns once again as one of the leading contenders after securing the 2025 European title, while France’s Titouan Castryck and Slovenia’s Martin Srabotnik also arrive in strong form after impressive performances during the continental season.

The Men’s Canoe event is also expected to deliver one of the strongest battles of the weekend. Spain’s Miquel Travé arrives in Tacen after becoming 2025 European Champion, ahead of France’s Nicolas Gestin and Slovenia’s Žiga Lin Hočevar. All three athletes are entered for Tacen and will be among the favourites for the podium.

In the women’s events, several of Europe’s strongest athletes will also compete in Slovenia, including Gabriela Satková, Zuzana Panková, Kimberley Woods and Monica Doria, all arriving after consistent results at international level throughout the past season.

Host nation Slovenia will once again be among the strongest European teams, with local favourites Peter Kauzer, Luka Božič, Eva Alina Hočevar and Žiga Lin Hočevar all expected to fight for podium positions in front of their home crowd.

Hočevar will receive particular attention this weekend after becoming European Champion in Men’s Canoe on this same Tacen course during the 2024 European Championships, leading a historic Slovenian podium sweep ahead of Luka Božič and Benjamin Savšek. The young Slovenian has since confirmed himself among Europe’s top canoe slalom athletes and arrives at this World Cup as one of the home favourites for victory.

The kayak cross events are also expected to deliver exciting racing throughout the weekend, with Great Britain’s Joseph Clarke once again among the main athletes to watch after his strong international performances in recent seasons.

Tacen traditionally offers one of the most demanding and technical courses on the international calendar, combining powerful rapids with tactical gate sequences that challenge both precision and speed. As the opening World Cup of the season, the Slovenian event will provide the first major indication of form ahead of the season’s main championships.

The 2026 Canoe Slalom European Championships will take place in Ivrea, Italy, from 24 to 26 September 2026, returning one of Europe’s most iconic canoe slalom venues to the continental spotlight.

With many of Europe’s leading athletes already showing strong performances in recent major championships, the road to Ivrea officially begins tomorrow in Tacen.