At the conclusion of day two at the Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, it was once again the Slovenians that had much to celebrate. Slovenian canoeing history is based on severals wins from World and European Championships and World Cup Races. But from today on it is even richer. Local heroes Peter Kauzer and Jure Meglič were the best in the Men's kayak final of this year's first World Cup Race. There were many loud fans that came to support all competitors racing today, but they especially celebrated the double win.

With an amazing time of 95.48 Kauzer secured himself his second win at a Tacen World Cup race (he was the best here also in 2008), while Jure Meglič, who was the best at World Cup race in Tacen in 2007, was second this time. "I think I have run out of bad luck now and it is time to win. The run was not as good as it could be, I could go even a second faster, but for today's win this was enough. I was not as calm as I could be when I finished, because I knew it is possible to go faster. I know the course and I know myself and it is possible to finish this race in 94 seconds. If I would compete in the finals as I did in the heats, the time would be better. But I have ups and downs in Tacen, this year I am glad I won, too bad that this was not the World Championships. I am glad to be on the winner podium and that my teammate is standing beside me", said Peter Kauzer, who was supported by his fan club. In an interview with the ICF he added,

The main goal of my career now is to win an Olympic medal; it is the only title I am missing.

Jure Meglič who was very fast but recived two penalty seconds said, "I did not think about the result, I was focusing on preparation. I knew I can be faster than the winner, but in some places it did not work out well for me. I am pleased with the second place, I have managed to be second on the home ground. Standing on podium here is better than anywhere else. I knew in the European Championship that I am fast and if I complete the race without mistakes, then the good result is inevitable. Today I was able to come second". German Sebastian Schubert was third. One of the biggest disappointments of the semi-final was reigning world champion Daniele Molmenti (ITA) who missed the final for 0,10 seconds.

In Men's Canoe event David Florence of Great Britain took first place and the intensive off season preparations in Australia paid off. "It was really good, I had all the control. I am really really pleased that it came out as the medal and to score a gold is fantastic. It is a really exciting place to race. On the top of the big drop you can see all the crowds. It is a great place to race; a good venue. Now I am looking forward to the rest of the season", said David Florence. Stanislav Ježek (CZE) was second and Alexander Slafkovsky (SVK) was third. Eleven canoeists started in the final, because two paddlers shared 10th place after the semifinal.

In Women's Canoe event Australian paddlers Rosalyn Lawrence and Leanne Guinea held the top two spots winning Gold and Silver, while Slovakian Katarina Macova was third. "It was a tight race in the end. I had a little trouble at one of the upstream gates but it all turned out well. It is a great course, I was enjoying myself. Slalom is mentally tricky, because it is different everytime you race, but that is what makes it such a fun sport. I think it is very important to have gender equality in our sport, we need to have as many opportunities for women as there arefor men and women are more than capable of paddling C1, it is great fun so everyone should give it a try", said Lawrence.

The last competition will be held tomorrow; semi-finals and finals in Women's Kayak event and in Men's C2.

For more updates and results visit www.sloka.si.