By Gary Anderson

April 21 - Heiko Kroeger got his World Cup campaign off to a perfect start with a win in Hyères ©Getty Images Competition in the Paralympic classes got underway in Hyères today and saw Germany secure two wins through Heiko Kroeger in the 2.4mR class and Jens Kroeger, Siegmund Mainka and Robert Prem in the Sonar races during the final International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Cup event of the season.

Former world champion Kroeger, who took gold at Sydney 2000 and silver at London 2012, got his campaign off to a strong start by finishing first and second to sit at the top of the early leaderboard.

The German shares the lead with France's Damien Seguin, who also posted a first and second place, with Britain's World Championship bronze medallist Megan Pascoe sitting in third after a consistent day on the water.

Reigning Paralympic champion Helena Lucas of Britain comes into the event on a high following her win at the last World Cup in Mallorca, but had a mixed day and sits in sixth place.

Compatriots John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas sit atop the standings in the Sonar class with five points after posting a second and third in their two races.

Former Parlympic champions Jens Kroker, Siegmund Mainka and Robert Prem secured a second German win on the first day of sailing in Hyères ©Getty Images Former Parlaympic champions Jens Kroker, Siegmund Mainka and Robert Prem secured a second German win on the first day of sailing in Hyères ©Getty Images



The British trio finished behind Beijing 2008 gold medallists Kroker, Mainka and Prem in race two after securing a third place in their first outing behind runners-up Bruno Jourden, Nicolas Vimont Vicary and Eric Flageul of France and Australian winners Colin Harrison, John Harris and Russell Boaden.

The racing in Hyères continues tomorrow as the qualification stage for the split fleets comes to a conclusion, with competition due to conclude on Saturday (April 26).

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