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Andrea Herzog in the Canadier in Markkleeberg
Photo:
Daniel Schäfer / dpa
The German slalom canoeists celebrated a successful dress rehearsal for the Olympic Games in Tokyo at the home World Cup in Markkleeberg.
Canoeing world champion Andrea Herzog (Leipzig) again demonstrated her strong form around five weeks before the start of the summer games (23 July to 8 August) and secured victory thanks to a faultless drive.
Sideris Tasiadis in the Canadier and kayak specialist Ricarda Funk both finished second.
"I'm so happy.
That was a great run, «said Herzog, who had already finished second at the World Cup in Prague a week ago.
At the finish, the 21-year-old was 4.35 seconds ahead of second-placed Tereza Fiserova from the Czech Republic.
"There are a few tricky parts on this route, but I managed most of them very well," said Herzog.
The women's canoe celebrates its Olympic premiere in Tokyo.
"With a view of Tokyo, the competition was outstanding," said the winner.
Only Olympic driver Hannes Aigner missed the final
The Olympic runner-up in London 2012, Sideris Tasiadis, only had to admit defeat to French Denis Gargaud Chanut, 2.12 seconds behind, Funk (Bad Kreuznach) landed behind the outstanding Australian Jessica Fox (+3.52 seconds).
In addition, Elena Apel from Augsburg, who is not starting in Tokyo, finished third on the podium.
Of the Olympic starters, only Hannes Aigner (Augsburg) missed the final in a kayak.
After her ride on the podium, Funk was “mega happy.
I implemented the plan and fought, "said the 29-year-old, and added with regard to her chances at the summer games in Tokyo:" I definitely know that I can keep up. "
“We're going to Tokyo with big chests.
The head plays a very big role, you have to master the fine line between risk and control and hit it exactly.
That was extremely important, «said head coach Klaus Pohlen.
ara / sid / dpa