France claimed both men's team titles at the Canoe Slalom World Championships, ending Slovakia's dominance in the men's C1 category ©ICF

France won both men’s team titles on the opening day of the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia.

In the men’s K1 the French team of Boris Neveu, Mathieu Biazizzo and Benjamin Renia took gold with 91.64 points.

Slovakia won the silver with 93.49 while Slovenia took bronze with 94.84.

There was further French success in the men’s C1 through their team of Denis Gargaud Chanut, Martin Thomas and Nicolas Gestin who took victory with 95.34 points.

Silver went to the Czech Republic on 96.03 points with Slovakia claiming bronze on 100.83 points.

France’s win ended Slovakia’s dominance of the event, which stretched back to 2009, through their unchanged team of Michal Martikan, Matej Benus and Alexander Slafkovsky.

Mallory Franklin was part of the British team that won the women's K1 final ©ICF
Mallory Franklin was part of the British team that won the women's K1 final ©ICF

This time Martikan was replaced by Marko Mirgordsky and two gate touches proved crucial, allowing France to claim a second title of the day.

In the women’s K1 final Britain’s team of Mallory Franklin, Kimberley Woods and Fiona Pennie defended their title claiming gold with a score of 101.24 points.

Czech Republic won silver with 106.71 with Slovakia winning bronze with 107.72.

In the women’s C1 final the Czech Republic’s team of Gabriela Satkova, Martina Satkova and Tereza Fišerová took gold with 110.43 points.

Spain took the silver medal with 112 points while the Russian Federation earned bronze with 118.05 points.

Action is scheduled to continue with heats in the women’s and men’s kayak and canoe disciplines.