Future looks bright for World Rafting after Czechs and Russians share World Champion honours

By Sportscene

Rafting was the real winner after the 2012 Youth and Masters World Championships came to a conclusion, following the last of four disciplines, the ‘Downriver’ being raced along the Vltava River today.

The course started in Vyssi Brod, with the four man raft teams paddling their way across the remotely flat waters for 8-10km in perfect conditions, finishing in the small Czech town of Rozmberg.

The Czechs dominated once again claiming three World Titles in downriver, while the Russian girls made it back to back victories in the Youth category following victory in the Slalom on Sunday at Ceske Budejovice.

The morning commenced with the Youth men’s race, with the local crew of Antonin Hales, Ondrej Rolenc, Martin Novak and Radek Pavlik cruising to victory. After an aggressive start the paddlers saw opening a sizeable gap and they never looked back, motoring on to Rozmberg in emphatic fashion, securing the ‘Full house’ and becoming Youth World Champions.

The team was clearly delighted when they crossed the finish, “It was a fantastic result, like a dream,” said Captain Antonin Hales.

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Other articles on Y&M World Champs from Sportscene:

Russia and Italy step up and challenge the local favourites

Czechs dominate on day 1 of the Worlds Rafting in the Sprint and H2H

Meet the colourful Czech youth ladies team

Russian ladies strive for Youth Crown

Local men’s Youth look to Czech mate the opposition

PREVIEW – Youth & Masters World Championships Rafting

The four disciplines of competitive rafting explained

Ceske Budejovice and the whitewater stadium