Excitement is building for the first International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Ranking Event of the season.
Comacchio in Italy is the location for the event, known as the Spring SUP Race, which will take place from April 5 to 7.
It will be the first meeting of the ICF SUP season with further ranking events planned for Austria and Sweden as well as a World Cup in Greece and the World Championships in the United States of America.
Registration is now open for all the events giving paddlers the chance to excel on the big stage.
A deadline of March 29 has been set on entries for the Spring SUP Race in Comacchio where ranking points will be on offer in the long-distance and technical events.
It will the seventh edition of the Spring SUP Race and the second time it has been an ICF World Ranking Event.
Simone Tugnoli Peron, Race Director of the Spring SUP Race, said he expected to break the event’s participation record this year as the growth in the popularity of the sport continues.
“In 2023, it was the biggest SUP race in Italy with 230 participants which is incredible as they came from many countries in Europe and other continents like Africa,” said Tugnoli Peron.
“This year, we want to do even better and we have already received many requests from athletes looking to take part.
“We expect over 300 athletes at this year’s race which will be amazing.
“I think it will be a great race.”
Comacchio is a town situated on the northern coast of Emillia-Ramgna within the province of Ferrara.
The Lago delle Nazioni is the venue for competition.
Alongside the world ranking contests, there will be opportunities for youngsters and Paracanoe athletes to participate in technical and long distance races as well as a fun race for adults and kids.
Noemi Horvath, Chair of the ICF SUP Commission, said she was looking forward to start the ICF SUP World Ranking Series in Italy.
“We cannot wait to head to Comacchio in April for what will be a fantastic event,” said Horvath.
“It is the first destination in a very exciting calendar that culminates with the World Championships in Sarasota, Florida.
“Registration has opened so I encourage all those interested to sign up as it will be a great opportunity to test yourself against the best in the world.”
Click here for registration details
Picture by Stefano Bellomo
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