The Canoe Sprint Invitational International Regatta was the first international sprint regatta to be held in Britain for more than 28 years and saw 198 elite athletes from 32 nations take part to test the Olympic venue.

Eton Dorney had staged the Olympic test event for rowing - the FISA World Rowing Junior Championships - just weeks before the Canoe Sprint Invitational International Regatta but London 2012 used the latter event specifically to test the timing, technology and workforce for the venue, which they had not done in the rowing competition.

"Although Eton Dorney is a proven world-class venue, it was still crucial for us to test our operations ahead of the Games," explained Luckes.

"The event has gone remarkably well and we have seen some fantastic sport, witnessing world class athletes competing in an Olympic venue.

"We are pleased with how the event has run and are delighted with the athlete feedback."

There was British success on the last day of competition as British kayaker Ed McKeever took gold in the 200-metre men's kayak single (K1) to show that he will be a major force at the Olympics next year.

The 200m canoe sprint events will be part of the Games for the first time in 2012 but McKeever's success could not be emulated by teammates Liam Heath and Jonny Schofield in the 200m men's kayak double (K2).


The pair finished in bronze medal position, while Germany's Ronald Rauhe and Jonas Ems took the gold medal spot and French athletes Arnaud Hybois and Sebastien Jouve picked up silver.

But the crucial thing for the organisers was that the event received a glowing review from the international athletes in attendance.

"I love it here," said Spanish paddler Ekaitz Saies.

"I came in 2008 to train and it is a very good place.

"I have never been to the Olympic Games and if I can be here next year I think it will be the summit of my career.

"I love the course, I love London and I have been here many times.

"I can't think of a better place than London to win an Olympic medal."

During London 2012, Eton Dorney will be the venue for rowing, Paralympic rowing and the canoe sprint events, while the Canoe Sprint Invitational International Regatta was the 18th and last Olympic test event in the first cluster of events taking place this summer.

The second cluster will begin next month on October 3, with the 2011 London Archery Classic at Lord's Cricket Ground.

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