Canoe Slalom paddlers from across the world have started training at the venue for the Paris 2024 Olympics after the International Canoe Federation completed its fine-tuning process.
Experts from the ICF have spent the past week at Vaires-sur-Marne carrying out final checks on the Canoe Slalom course that will be used during the Olympics.
The fine-tuning began on May 15 and was completed on May 18 after passing all ICF inspections.
Meetings were also held with Paris 2024 Canoe Sport Manager Cyril Nivel and other officials from the Organising Committee and the Vaires-sur-Marne whitewater stadium to make sure the venue was all set for the Games.
“We have spent four full days working on the fine tuning of the course,” said Jean-Michel Prono, Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee.
“We were working from 8.30am to 7pm every day to carry out all our final checks on the course.
“Our main objective was to improve the first big drop right after the start which was successful.
“We also checked for any safety issues, so it is now all set for the Games.
“The course is well balanced and looks fantastic, so I am really looking forward to seeing competition take place on it during the Olympics.”
Pre-Games training is underway at Vaires-sur-Marne with athletes given the opportunity to take to the water from May 20 to 26.
Australia, Czechia, Germany, Japan and Senegal are among the 22 nations that are training on the course this week.
“The feedback we have had from the athletes so far has been really positive,” added Mr Prono.
“The grandstand has already been established and its presence is absolutely massive, so this is a good opportunity for the athletes to get used to these Olympic surroundings.
“All the participants here are from nations that have been allocated quotas for the Games so it is really exciting to see them tackle the course.
“The course design team will observe training here in June and will be back again before the Games where they will set out the final gate setting for competition.”
The Olympic venue hosted the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Final in October 2023 which served as a test event for Paris 2024.
Another pre-Games training period will take place at the course from June 18 to July 12 where paddlers will have another chance to gear up for the Olympics.
Canoe Slalom competition will run from July 27 to August 5 at Paris 2024, followed by Canoe Sprint from August 6 to 10.
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