Canadian paddlers Russell and Langlois make two finals apiece at Ruhr International Regatta - June 18th, 2010

BOCHUM, Germany – Michelle Russell of Fall River, N.S., and Andréane Langlois of Lac-Beauport, Que., reached two finals apiece in Friday’s 1,000-metre qualifications which opened the Ruhr International Regatta junior canoe and kayak competition.

In the women’s K-1 (kayak singles), Russell earned a direct trip to Saturday’s final by winning her opening heat.  Langlois was fourth in her opening heat then earned a berth in the final by placing second in her semifinal.

“It was a big day for me so I’m really pleased with how it turned out,” said Langlois.  “I really surprised myself with my K-1 performances.  My opening heat gave me a lot of confidence and I knew a spot in the final was a possibility for me.”

Both paddlers also advanced to the K-2 finals by placing third in their respective opening heats.  Russell was paired with Alexa Irvin of Halifax and Langlois with Liz Girgulis of Calgary.

In the men’s K-1, Adam Tenwolde of Dartmouth, N.S., and Etienne Beauchesne of Trois-Rivières, Que., are also headed to the final.  Tenwolde was second in his heat, out of lane one, and his semi while Beauchesne was fourth in his heat and third in his semi.

“The key for me was my performance in the heat which allowed me to get lane five in the semi,” said Tenwolde, in his fourth career trip overseas.  “The semi was a very tight race between five guys and it came down to a boat shoot at the end.  It was great to see both Etienne and I get through.”

Beauchesne was also pleased with his performance.

“I reached all of my objectives today,” said Beauchesne.  “I had mapped out a strategy for my races and I stuck to it and that’s why I reached the final.”

Competition continues Saturday with the 1,000 metre finals and qualifying in the 500-metre races.  The competition in Bochum completes a three-week European tour for the seven-member Canadian junior paddling team.

More information: www.canoekayak.ca

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