Canoeing: Arch rivals provide big test for Florence

Edinburgh canoeist David Florence tests his pre-Olympic form in today’s C1 heats at the European Slalom Championships in Augsburg.

The Forth Canoe Club star easily qualified in two events at last month’s British Olympic Trials, but faces a major challenge in Bavaria as he takes on arch rivals Michal Martikan (Slovakia) and Tony Estanguet (France) for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to getting the international season under way,” he said yesterday.

“With no World Championships this year, the Europeans is the biggest championship race apart from the Olympics. It’s a great venue and they always put on great races here.”