Portugal canoeists compete in World Marathon Championships in Argentina

The Portuguese canoeing national team is competing in the World Marathon Championships in Gualeguaychú, Argentina, from October 22 to 25. The delegation includes 15 athletes across senior, U23, and junior categories.

Defending world champion Fernando Pimenta will compete in the short K1 race and the long K2 race alongside José Ramalho. Other title defenders include Rui Lacerda and Ricardo Coelho in the C2 category. The team aims to match or exceed their previous performance of five medals.

National coach Rui Câncio noted that while financial constraints limited the number of athletes sent, the team is prepared to adapt to course changes caused by rising river levels due to recent rains. He emphasized that success in marathon racing will depend on technical automation during portages and psychological focus during the final sprints.