Under glorious blue skies in Penrith, the world’s best male athletes raced the clock in pursuit of a place in the individual heats of Saturday’s Kayak Cross, which will be the final event and a thrilling conclusion to this year’s ICF Slalom World Championships.

Spanish Olympian David Llorente dominated the men’s event finishing ahead of Great Britain’s Joseph Clarke and Jakub Krejci of Czech Republic.

73 athletes lined up to contest the men’s event with Paris Olympian Tim Anderson leading the Australian charge with an impressive 10th place result.

“I had confidence that whatever happened I could work through it technically, physically and mentally. It never really goes exactly to plan, you kind of make it up as you go,” Anderson said. 

“I just wanted to solidify my knowledge of the course and take advantage of that home course we have here. That’s the best thing you could ask for.

“I think I’m managing the pressure really well. You do feel a bit of pressure to perform well, but it’s nice to have something to motivate you.

“After the Olympics it was quite hard to find the fire and the drive again for quite a long tome so it’s really nice to have something to work towards every day,” he said. 

Competition continues Tuesday with the Canoe Heats & Canoe Teams events getting underway, with all the action beginning at 10am.

The ICF Slalom World Championships are live and free on 9Now.

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Men's Kayak Cross Individual Time Trials

David Llorente, Spain - Gold Medal

The course is really cool. I had already competed here in February.

There are several paddlers who have the same level as me, or who are maybe even better than me at this championship. I think today I was just luckier.

It’s the first time I won a world title, except for the U23 and team titles I won. I know I did a very good race. I didn’t know how it went until the end, but when I arrived I saw the fireworks and I celebrated a little more.

In the end, I’m very happy. I know what it means to be here. You always make several attempts, and many times the result doesn’t come.

Now it’s time to listen to the anthem, to rest, and to focus on the slalom. The competition has just started. In the next five or six days, I will feel a lot of pressure, a lot of stress. I don’t want to waste energy on something that has already passed.

It’s the fifth time I’m in Australia since 2014. I don’t know much more about Sydney. After the World Championships I’ll stay in Australia for some holiday. I’ll go to Byron Bay, then a bit more to the North, and finally to Melbourne. I’ll have the opportunity to get to know this part of Australia better.

Joseph Clarke, Great Britain – Silver Medal

“It's been a great crowd for a Monday. Six days of racing, kicking off with a silver medal I'm pretty happy and hopefully more to come.

I love Penrith, been here quite a few times. I brought the family and my wife and she wants to move here, so that’s saying something.

The course is certainly going to be challenging, that’s what you want though, challenge the world’s best and the cream will rise to the top.

I’ll be back here later in the week and hopefully take another world title.

Jakub Krejci, Czechia/Czech Republic - Bronze Medal

“I am enjoying the paddling here, the race was super nice with the crowd around, so I'm happy my family members can see it.

“I feel good, a little bit upset about my mistake on the main wave but I can't complain with a medal.

“First round, first medal, I hope I will continue in this strength. That will be awesome.

“I was here in Penrith before Covid started, so the course is a little bit similar, there have been some changes but it's one of my favourite courses here. I'm having fun all the time. I have spent almost 3 weeks here before the championship. I really love this course and having fun here.

“For the rest of the week, I want to make solid runs like this and have fun, enjoying my time here on the other side of the planet.