Jakob Weger during his race in Meran in 2022.

Curtain up for the big canoe event on the Passer

The International Canoe Slalom in Meran can come. The rains of the last few days and the melting snow have ensured that the 67th international canoe slalom on the Pentecost weekend in the Naturarena Gilf can be held with a good water level. As with all previous 66 editions, the organizer is SC Meran.

25 May 2023

From: pm

On Saturday from 9 a.m. there is an open race with 2 rounds for the general class in the 4 boat classes: kayak singles men and women and canoe singles men and women. The junior Italian champions in 5 boat classes will also be crowned. The highlight of the 67th International Canoe Slalom in Meran is the

World ranking canoe slalom and European Cup with qualification and final run on Sunday. For the 8th time, the Passer is the venue for a world ranking canoe slalom. The qualifying run starts at 9 a.m., the final run at 13:30 p.m. In both races, 18 to 20 slalom gates, 6 of them upwards, have to be paddled through as quickly as possible. Touching the goal is punished with 2 penalty seconds, missed goals with 50 penalty seconds. The start is in the Gilfklamm. The destination is after the Steinernes Steg. Spectators can again follow the races up close on the lower Gilf promenade and the bridges.

Weger brothers in focus

Around 130 canoeists from 9 countries will take part in the 67th international canoe slalom in Merano. 19 South Tyrolean slalom canoeists are also at the start. They are led by Jakob Weger (25) from Schenna, who ended his professional paddling career a little over a year ago. “I haven't been in a slalom boat for a long time. That's why my expectations are rather modest. Nevertheless, I believe that I know the passers well and maybe still have a chance of a podium place if everything goes well,” believes Jakob Weger.

His brother Matthias Weger (27), who recently fell ill with a group and is currently preparing for the Extreme Kayak European Championships on June 3rd in the Passeier Valley, also wants to take part in his home race. “I'm fit again and will probably only go for one day, as I'm concentrating on the “King of the Alps” and the Extreme Kayak World Championships in the Passeier Valley and using the run as training,” says Matthias Weger. Carolin Schaller also has a lot planned for her 4th start at the international canoe slalom in Meran. “My goal on Saturday is definitely to be in the front third and show two good runs and get to the final on Sunday,” hopes Carolin Schaller.

Tamara Drescher in action. © Fotonico Dametto

Tamara Drescher (19) is also starting in the home race for the 4th time. “It’s always nice to be competing in your hometown. Since I have only missed the final by a few hundredths of a second in recent years, my goal is to qualify for the final run,” said Tamara Drescher. Jakob Luther, Martin Unterthurner, Liam Kaplan, Magnus Mumelter, Philipp Kröss, Christian Stocker, Marian Drescher, Lars Aaron Senoner, Annika Senoner, Sara Furlan, Eva Haller, Alice Gravino and Elina Schlechtleitner from SC Meran/Raika-Torggler as well as Manuel are also paddling and Matthias Ulpmer from SV Milland.

Program of the 67th International Canoe Slalom in Meran:

Saturday, 27th May 2023
Open international canoe slalom and U18 Italian championship
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: 2 rounds in 4 boat classes (K1 and C1 men and women) in the general class and qualification (2 rounds) in 5 boat classes (K1 and C1 boys and girls and C2) in the junior class
14.00:15.30 p.m. - 1:1 p.m.: Finals in the boat classes C2 and K18 boys and girls, CXNUMX in the junior class (UXNUMX)
afterwards: award ceremony at the SC Meran boathouse area

Sunday 28. May 2023
09:00 a.m.: 1 qualifying run in 4 boat classes (K1 and C1 men and women)
13:30 p.m. - 15:00 p.m.: Final run in all 4 boat classes
afterwards: award ceremony at the SC Meran boathouse area