Lucien Delfour has earned his first podium in six years, taking home the bronze medal in the men’s Kayak final in World Cup 1 in La Seu, Spain. 

After finishing third in the heats, the 36-year-old put down a flying run in the men’s final.

“It was fairly intense for the first race of the year. I’ve come a long way,” Delfour said. 

Despite a two-second penalty, Delfour crossed the finish line in first place with only the two international paddlers after him beating his time. 

“This is my first medal since 2019 and my first medal here since 2018. There were lots of disappointments and struggles, so it’s a great feeling,” he said. 

Delfour’s podium puts the Australian Canoe Slalom Team in great stead at the start of the international season. La Seu is the first of five World Cup events, with the season set to finish on home soil in Penrith for the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships.

Racing continues at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in La Seu this evening with the men’s and women’s Canoe events. Click here for the schedule. 

The finals of the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports Australia and Kayo Sports from 10pm AEST.

Story: Paddle Australia

Images: Romain Bruneau/Paddle Australia

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