A challenging slalom course was set on the Vrbas River for the WRC 2022 rafting athletes of the world. One has to admit, Slalom under the lights is pretty special and the BiH WRC Organisers turned it on and night racing was a go!
The course was challenging to all teams at all levels but the top teams pulled out all their skills, tactics and strengths and rose to the challenge, as expected. A special mention for the Under 19 Czechia Women who only missed one gate, an amazing achievement they can be very proud of.
Unlucky gate 13 challenged many, as did gate 11, and some teams made the tactical choice to miss certain gates on purpose as they felt they’d spend longer than 50 seconds trying and maybe failing to negotiate it.
The Aussies had a good day with a Silver medal for the Under 23 Men, and Silver also for the Open Women. The U23 Men looked super smooth and in control.
Indonesia Under 23 Women had a great run and strengthened their Overall position at the top. Mongolia Open Women were very happy with their 8th in the Slalom pulling them up to 9th Overall.
Japan Open Men pipped Brazil in the end making it a very tight finish, with Argentina taking Bronze.
Czechia had a good day with Gold in both Under 19 categories, as well as Open Women, Master’s Men, plus a Bronze in Master’s Women.
The teams have two non-racing days before the Downriver, except the Master’s teams. The entire event moves over to the Tara River and on the 31st they will do the scouting trip in the morning down the canyon. Then in the afternoon the Master’s will take on the beautiful Tara River and race to finalise who will be Master’s World Champions!
