Jakub Grigar led a Slovakian charge on a day of qualification action in the Spanish resort ©ICF

Jakub Grigar and Matej Beňuš were among the heat winners today as the second International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Cup got underway in La Seu d'Urgell.

Grigar, who is enjoying a breakthrough season that has already seen him qualify for Rio 2016, sped down the Barcelona 1992 course in 1min 27.64sec.

Britain's Joseph Clarke and Samuel Hernanz of Spain were the only challengers to come close, each clocking 1:27.72 for joint second place.

Grigar's compatriot Matej Beňuš was even more dominant in the C1 event.

He crossed the line in 1:32.42, a time nearly two seconds faster than anyone else.

Ander Elosegi of Spain managed 1:34.30 on his home course for second, with France's Denis Gargaud Chanaud third in 1:34.40.

Matej Beňuš of Slovakia was another qualification winner on the Spanish course ©Getty Images
Matej Beňuš of Slovakia was another qualification winner on the Spanish course ©Getty Images

There was more home success in the women's events.

Marta Martinez led K1 qualifying in 1:36.22 over Marta Kharitonova of Russia, who managed 1:37.27.

Another Spaniard was third in Maialen Chourraut, in 1:38.88.

Slovenia's Luka Božič and Sašo Taljat powered through their C2 men's heat in 1:38.58 seconds.

Robert Behling and Thomas Becker of Germany were second in 1:40.67, with Pietro Camporesi and Niccolò Ferrari of Italy third in 1:41.09.

All semi-finals and finals are due to take place over the weekend.