Full bore in Pau: Delfour clinches world cup 2 bronze

New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship athlete Lucien Delfour claimed the bronze medal for Australia in the men’s Kayak final at World Cup 2 in Pau, France.

Delfour followed up on his bronze-winning performance at last weekend’s World Cup 1 in La Seu, Spain to celebrate his second podium finish in consecutive weeks.

The 36-year-old put together a competitive time to qualify fifth fastest at the completion of the heats phase earlier on Day 1 at Pau-Pyrenees Whitewater Stadium.

Delfour, a two-time Olympian, admitted he’s been pleasantly surprised by his good fortune.

“I am pretty happy again,” he enthused. “I did not expect a medal.”

When asked about his preparation leading into the Pau-based event, Delfour conceded it was not the best.

“It was a tricky week of training,” he said. “I struggled a bit. I was not happy, but I am glad that it worked out in the end.”

Delfour’s recent success adds to the Australian Canoe Slalom Team’s strong start to the international season.

Earlier on in Day 1, Australia’s Kate Eckhardt qualified seventh in the heats to book her spot in the women’s Kayak final but fell short of the podium standings when she finished fifth (overall) in the final.

Pau is the second stop in the five-event World Cup series, with the season culminating on home turf at the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships in Penrith.

Racing continues at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup 2 in Pau this evening with the men’s and women’s Canoe events.

The finals of the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports Australia and Kayo Sports from 11pm AEST.

Story: Paddle Australia

Photos: Romain Bruneau/PaddleAustralia