Nomination Puzzle Solved. A Canoe Slalom Celebration Kicks Off in Troja in Two Weeks
New names as well as established stars of Czech canoe slalom. The national team for the 2026 season is now complete, and fans can once again look forward to cheering on their favourites. In just two weeks, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will return to Prague-Troja from 5 to 7 June 2026 - and according to the athletes themselves, it is one of the highlights of the entire season.
Competing at home, in front of grandstands packed with fans, family and friends, has a special meaning for Czech national team members. Troja is not just another race. It is an atmosphere, an emotion and a unique celebration of paddling that attracts thousands of spectators every year.
Hilgertová: The Roar of the Stands Gives You Incredible Energy
For experienced kayaker Amálie Hilgertová, this year’s nomination was exceptional from a personal point of view.
“This year was different because I genuinely felt good on the water and knew I had what it takes. I enjoyed the whole preparation process as well as the races themselves. I knew that if I didn’t make the national team, I would end my career. But this has extended it a little longer,” she admits.
According to Hilgertová, the home World Cup in Troja is one of the most exceptional races of all.
“Our sport is beautiful, and Troja is one of the places where it receives the support it deserves. When you paddle past a grandstand that is roaring, it gives you incredible energy. On top of that, the commentators Dan Stach and Míra Lenc push you forward, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”
She says the element of water is what makes slalom unique.
“You never know exactly what awaits you on the water. And that is precisely what makes our sport so beautiful.”
The roar of the grandstands, the magic of the venue and the electrifying atmosphere are what Hilgertová is looking forward to most in Troja.
Bára Galušková: The Senior National Team Is a Dream Come True
Nineteen-year-old Bára Galušková earned her place in the senior national kayak team for the first time this year. For the member of a well-known paddling family, it is another major step forward.
“Canoe slalom is my life,” she says. “It was one of the first sports my parents introduced me to, and I stayed with it. For me, water means energy, but also inner peace combined with adrenaline.”
Until recently, however, she had a different goal.
“My biggest dream was to make the under-23 national team. The senior A team is something extra — a dream come true. Now we’ll see how far I can go.”
She is looking forward to the home race in Troja mainly because of the fans.
“Our hosts always create an incredible atmosphere. There are great fans here, euphoria, adrenaline… The spectators are also incredibly close to the water — they can almost touch the slalom paddlers. I experienced it myself as a fan, and it is something truly special.”
Jakub Krejčí: Troja Is Like a Second World Championship
Experienced kayaker Jakub Krejčí considers the World Cup in Troja one of the biggest events of the entire season.
“Canoe slalom offers endless ways to navigate a whitewater course. And that is exactly what I love about it,” he explains. “Everyone sees the course a little differently. The races are full of positive energy, there is a friendly atmosphere, and even the biggest stars talk to you completely normally.”
According to Krejčí, it is the home crowd that makes Troja extraordinary.
“The fans in Troja are the best in the world. The World Cup in Troja is comparable to a World Championship, and for every slalom paddler it represents one of the highlights of their career. In one word? A big show.”
For Krejčí, it will also be an important test of form ahead of the rest of the season.
“It is the first major race where I want to find out how well prepared I am and what kind of shape I am in.”
Troja Will Offer the World’s Best Athletes and a Unique Atmosphere
The Canoe Slalom World Cup in Prague-Troja is traditionally one of the most visited and most attractive stops on the circuit. Fans can look forward to battles between the world’s elite, dramatic moments on whitewater and close contact with the athletes.
According to the Czech national team members, it is precisely the support of the spectators that makes the home race so special.
From 5 to 7 June, Troja will once again host a weekend full of adrenaline, emotion and a paddling atmosphere that is hard to describe — it simply has to be experienced.
Paddle Ride Returns This Year — A Unique Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
The Paddle Ride, held under the auspices of the UNIQA financial group, is an exceptional event with no equivalent anywhere else in the world. Fans and athletes have a unique opportunity to paddle together on the Vltava River — and only once a year.
This year, the Paddle Ride will take place on Sunday, 31 May, from 2:00 p.m. Paddlers will traditionally board their boats in front of the Charles University Faculty of Physical Education and Sport boathouse in Troja and set off along the river.
T
hank You to Our Partners
This prestigious sporting event is held with the support of a wide range of partners — above all the general partner ČEZ Group, the main partner UNIQA financial group, the National Sports Agency, the City of Prague and others.
Tickets on Sale
Tickets are available exclusively online. There will be no traditional ticket offices at the venue. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance — discounted prices are available until 3 June. Children under 140 cm enter free of charge.