ECA Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe European Championships
Returning to Račice after ten years
For the third time in history, the Labe Arena in Račice will host Europe’s elite in sprint canoeing and paracanoeing. From June 19 to 22, the best athletes from across Europe will gather in Račice. Preparations for the championship are in full swing – not only among the athletes, but also among the organizers. "We can proudly say we are 90% ready," announced Pavel Šebesta, Competition Manager of the 2025 European Championships Organizing Committee, during a press conference.
The European Championships were first held here in 2006, then again in 2015, and in 2017, the Labe Arena hosted the World Championships. "Hosting such a prestigious event is always a big responsibility for us. We want the championship to be perfect not only for the athletes, but also for the fans and the entire Czech Republic. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world," added the President of the Czech Canoe Union, Stanislav Ježek.
The championship program will offer four action-packed days. Traditional canoe sprint disciplines will be combined with paracanoeing events. "The championship will kick off with an opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, around 5 PM. The races will begin on Thursday," explained Jan Boháč, Chairman of the Canoe Sprint Section.
While the domestic qualification races are still to take place, it is highly likely that freshly crowned Olympic champions from Paris – canoeist Martin Fuksa and kayaker Josef Dostál – will be part of the Czech Team in Račice. Both athletes have extensive experience with Račice, having competed here at the 2015 European Championships and the 2017 World Championships.
"I managed to win at the World Championships in front of the home crowd. It was an amazing experience, one of the best races of my career. When you’re supported by fans, family, and friends, it’s something truly special," recalled Martin Fuksa.
Josef Dostál added: "When I won the 500 meters at home in 2017, I felt like a rock star. Thousands of fans were literally eating out of my hand. That’s not something you experience often in our sport – which makes us appreciate these moments all the more."
The Czech Paracanoeing Team will include Miroslav Šperk, who will make his European Championship debut in Račice. "I’m really looking forward to the event. It’s an honor to compete in front of a home crowd at such an important competition."
Tickets are already available for purchase on the official Račice European Championships website.
