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Portuguese canoe marathon fans had plenty to celebrate on the first day of the main events at the 2025 ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships in the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima. Local hero and one of the world’s top kayakers, Fernando Pimenta, claimed the European Champion title in the short-distance 3400-metre race. He finished in a time of 13:18.08, just over half a second ahead of Britain’s James Russell, who came second. Another Portuguese favourite, the experienced Jose Ramalho, secured the bronze.

 

In the women’s short-distance final, Hungary’s Vanda Kiszli triumphed once again, successfully defending her title from last year. She crossed the finish line 4.14 seconds ahead of Norway’s Abba Sletsjoee, while Denmark’s Pernille Hostrup took bronze, 9.27 seconds behind.

 

In the men’s canoe short race, Spanish paddler Jaime Duro claimed victory with a solid lead over his closest rivals. Second place went to Polish paddler Mateusz Zuchora, who finished more than 16 and a half seconds behind. The bronze medal went to fellow Pole Mateusz Borgiel, last year’s European Champion in this event.

 

The women’s canoe short race final delivered a surprise, as pre-race favourite and title defender, Ukraine’s Lyudmila Babak, finished fifth and missed out on the podium. The win went to Germany’s Annette Wehrmann, with France’s Yseline Huet in second – improving on her third place from last year – and Ukraine’s Olena Tsyhankova taking bronze this time after claiming silver in the previous edition.

 

In the junior men’s kayak short-distance final, the top spot went to Britain’s William Short, followed by Ireland’s Sean Butterly in second and Spain’s Jaime Escuder in third place. The junior women’s 3400-metre kayak race was dominated by Hungary, with Lotti Jambor and Janka Reisz finishing first and second respectively, and Italy’s Cecilia Abascia taking bronze medal.

 

Two long-distance canoe marathon events were also on the schedule. The junior women’s canoe race, covering 11.8 kilometres, was won by Spain’s Lucia Pizarro, followed by Portugal’s Lara Lopez and Hungary’s Nora Fekete. The junior men’s canoe competitors raced over 15.4 kilometres, where the victory remained at home thanks to Portugal’s Leonardo Barbosa. Spain’s Hector Vazquez came second, and Poland’s Alex Wilga secured third position.

 

The championships continues on Friday with six more sets of medals to be awarded. The schedule will also include paramarathon demonstration events.