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In the picturesque Portuguese village of Ponte de Lima, the 2025 ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships moved into its final stage. Saturday brought individual senior events, with local fans loudly supporting Jose Ramalho, one of the most successful canoe marathon paddlers of all time. The 42-year-old was on a promising path, but his bid for victory in the men's K1 event was denied by Britain's James Russell. The 27-year-old edged past Ramalho on the 29.80 km course to claim the European champion title by just 1.34 seconds. The bronze medal went to Norway's Jon Vold. The defending European and world champion from 2024, Mads Brandt Pedersen of Denmark, did not compete in Portugal this time.

 

In the senior women's kayak event, the Norwegian anthem played for the winner Anna Sletsjoe, who completed the 26.20 km course with seven laps, one short lap and six portages, 10.60 seconds ahead of defending champion Vanda Kiszli from Hungary. The bronze also went to Hungary, the marathon powerhouse, with Panna Csepe finishing third.

 

In the women's canoe event, Ukraine celebrated another victory, though this time it was Olena Tsyhankova who took over from the long-time champion and multiple European and World titleholder Liudmyla Babak. Babak, who had dominated since 2017 when the championships was also held in Ponte de Lima, was replaced at the top as Tsyhankova crossed the finish line over five and a half seconds ahead of Hungary's Lili Matkovics. The bronze medal went to fellow Hungarian Zsofia Kisban, who finished just under a minute behind. Defending champion Babak placed fourth.

 

Spain's experienced canoeist Manuel Campos continued his tradition of European championships victories, successfully defending the title he won last year in Poznan. This time, he had to fight hard for it, finishing just 0.88 seconds ahead of Portugal's Rui Lacerda. Third place in men’s canoe event went to Spain's Fernando Busto, who trailed by 17.39 seconds. Last year's world champion, Poland's Mateusz Borgiel, did not finish the race.

 

In the men's junior kayak event, Italy's Leonardo Candela won with a margin of just under five seconds ahead of Britain's William Short, while the bronze medal was claimed by Ireland's Sean Butterly.

 

The programme also featured the women's junior kayak double event, where Hungary celebrated a one-two victory. Panni Kadler and Panka Zatyko took gold, with Lotti Jambor and Reka Katona securing silver. The bronze went to Italy’s Cecilia Abascia and Irina Kolobova.

 

The championships in Portugal will conclude on Sunday with the senior doubles events and the junior men's K2 race. Four more sets of medals will be awarded.