Race day saturday 29th June

The day began with an early breakfast and all the paddlers being well organised and away down to the course in plenty of time to walk the course with the coaches and warm up - weather was calm and sunny and got pretty hot as the day wore on.

Patrick was lucky enough to lead the way for the NZ contingent as second paddler to leave the start over all - a great European experience for the kids with lots of supporters, extremely loud Slovenian supporters with those air horn things they blast in each others ears when ever their paddlers come down the course - for those of you who haven't worked out how to get live results this is the link for tomorrows semi finals and finals - www.canoeliveresults.com and choose the eca junior cup link. 

Martin and Pavel taking splits

Finn getting advice from Pavel for his second run

The kids tell me that somehow you can have both the live web cam and the live on course results up on your computer at the same time - All the kids raced well for New Zealand today and most certainly deserved to get the results they achieved - Jess and Deahnas second runs were great - unfortunately they both incurred 50's which put them out of semi-final contention but they will lead the racing tomorrow as forerunners. Robin put down two good runs and Haylee was right up with the front of the field. Both girls go through to the semis tomorrow. All the boys have made semis - against a pretty strong field of Slovenian paddlers jostling for selection into their junior team.

Coaches are pleased with everyone's efforts and we had the pleasure of having Martins Father and Brother and their partners as part of our support crew. Martins father was very proud of his New Zealand tee shirt.

Martins father Ivan and his friend Sonja, 

Lunch was eaten at the course - then back up to the hotel to chill out and watch world cup on computers. Late afternoon tea and back down to the course for demonstration runs on the newly set semi final/finals course. We ate dinner outside on the grass and only two people rejected the asparagus in the bacon and asparagus pasta - very proud of them.

Slow walk down to the town square - Callum trusted with the money for an ice cream for everyone - big responsibility and one he handled with dedication - kids may have sampled all the flavours on offer now so its obviously time to move on. They have all been asked to pack their stuff tonight but my money is on the fact that it will be a rush job in the morning before they leave for the course.