A new deal signed with Eurosport means five canoe slalom World Cup events will be broadcast live on television over the next two years ©ICF

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) have signed a two-year deal with television broadcaster Eurosport to ensure canoeing action is shown live across Europe in the build up to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. 

The deal, which Eurosport’s senior vice-president of rights, acquisitions and syndication Laurent Prud’homme described as a "key development", will see all ICF canoe slalom and canoe sprint World Cup events covered live.

In all, five canoe slalom World Cups and two in canoe sprint, will be shown live across the continent during 2019 and 2020.

"Fans of canoeing across Europe can now watch the sport’s key events on our linear and digital platforms, fuelling their interest in the sport’s biggest heroes, and the future stars, who will shine in Tokyo," Prud’homme said.

Two canoe sprint events will be broadcast live as part of the new deal between the ICF and Eurosport ©ICF
Two canoe sprint events will be broadcast live as part of the new deal between the ICF and Eurosport ©ICF

ICF secretary general Sim Toulson, meanwhile, claimed the deal was a big boost for canoeing.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our Olympic disciplines on Eurosport’s linear and digital platforms," he said.

"It’s a vote of confidence in the standing of canoe slalom and canoe sprint in the sporting community.

"We know from past experience working with Eurosport that they are an excellent broadcast partner and will work hard to promote our product."

The first World Cup event covered by the deal will be in canoe sprint, and due to take place in Poznan in Poland from May 23 to 26 next year.

The first in canoe slalom meanwhile will take place at Lee Valley in Great Britain from June 14 to 16.