John Gregory - @gregiej | Sportscene - The roadshow continues with over 200 of slalom’s elite going up into the mountains for their third duel as part of the 2013 ICF canoe Slalom World Cup series. There is something symbolic that we migrate from the ‘72 Olympic Eiskanal to Parc Olimpic del Segre in Spain. Here is a short preview of what to expect this weekend for World Cup 3 in La Seu d’Urgell.

We are back in Seu less than 5 days after the conclusion of World Cup 2 in Augsburg, Germany. This is back to where canoe slalom re-emerged to become a permanent fixture in the Olympic programme. Germany leads the 2013 medal table with 8 medals after the Cardiff and their home World Cup race. This weekend Spain field 14 boats, which does not include new mum Maialen Chourraut. It is good to see some additional nations on the start list that did not race either Cardiff or Augsburg, namely; Korea, Togo and Venezuela. There are again 31 nations participating.

At last year’s Seu World Cup we saw champions in the shape of Jordi Domenjo (ESP) in C1M, Caroline Loir (FRA) in C1W, Etienne Daille (FRA) in K1M, Ursa Kragelj (SLO) in K1W and Labarelle/ Peschier (FRA) in C2.

C1M – Canadian Single Men
Matej Benus (SVK) was second in both Cardiff and Augsburg and leads the 2013 World Cup series ahead of Stanislav Jezek (CZE) and Sideris Tasiadis (GER). Last year’s winner is local Spanish paddler Jordi Domenjo, who had won a bronze medal at the Tacen World’s in 2010 and was 14th last weekend in Augsburg. Can Denis Gargaud Chanut (FRA) regain the form he exhibited in 2011?

C1W – Canadian Single Women
Two races into the series and Jessica Fox (AUS) is leading and will no doubt increase her lead due to the fact that her podium partners in Cardiff & Augsburg Great Britain’s Kimberley Woods and Mallory Franklin are both not racing at Seu.

France’s Caroline Loir recently won the European Championships and from her win last year we know this course suits her style. We are again anticipating seeing Ros Lawrence (AUS) on form with a podium finish demonstrating why she has been World Cup winner in 2011 & 2012.

K1M – Kayak Single Men
It is exciting to have Olympic champion Daniele Molmenti (ITA) making his 2013 World Cup debut this weekend. It will be his first big international race since last year’s Olympics. Leading the World Cup after the first three races in order are Sebastien Schubert (GER), Fabian Doerfler (GER) & Jiri Prskavec (CZE). Last year’s Seu World Cup winner Etienne Daille (FRA) is not racing this weekend.

K1W – Kayak Single Women
Cindy Poeschel (GER), Elena Kaliska (SVK) and Jasmin Schornberg (GER) are leading the World Cup series in that order after the first two races. We have Cardiff winner Lizzie Neave (GBR) back in action having been absent in Augsburg as well as 2013 European Champion Fiona Pennie (GBR). Emilie Fer (FRA) stamped her authority taking a win in Augsburg last weekend with her first key international race since becoming Olympic champion.  Or can Ursa Kragelj (SLO) win for a second year?

C2 – Canadian Doubles (Men)
In the series so far London Olympic champions Baillie & Stott (GBR) lead Klauss & Peche and Hochschorner twins after two races. Will we make a third all European final in three weeks or can USA, Canada, Brazil, Venezuela, Australia or China secure a place? The Hochschorner’s won in Cardiff and despite not winning in Augsburg were still the fastest C2 crew.

Seu d’Urgell Race Format:
• Friday July 5th C1M, C1W, K1M, K1W and C2 heats
• Saturday July 6th C1M, C1W & K1M semi-final & final plus teams
• Sunday July 7th K1W & C2 semi-final & final plus teams

Results will be available on www.sportscene.tv/liveresults and there will be further information on the ICF World Cup website. The Spanish squad of 14 boats will be hoping for good conditions to secure their first World Cup medals of 2013.