IFSS European Championship 2024

IFSS European Championship 2024

Check out the details of this exciting event.

From October 14 to 20, the city of Jämijärvi, Finland, hosted the highly anticipated IFSS European Canicross Championship. The event, which brought together elite athletes from across Europe, coincided with the ICF World Championship in Bardonecchia, Italy, creating a significant division among competitors.

While many opted to compete in the World Championship, including reigning champion Ben Robinson, who traveled to Italy to defend his title, other big names were present at the European Championship. Athletes such as Igor Tracz, Eva Behrmann, Ondra Svěchota, and Paulina Frelich ensured that the IFSS Championship maintained its high standard of excellence. However, standout athletes like Jérôme Henrion and Carolin Joeken, along with legends such as Antony Le Moigne, chose the World Championship in Italy, highlighting the need for better coordination between the ICF and IFSS to avoid future scheduling conflicts.

With ideal weather conditions, competitions in Jämijärvi began at 9:00 AM on October 17, featuring races in the DR8, DR6, DR4, DR4 RNB, DS2, DS2 RNB, DSM1, DSW1, DS1J, DS1MM 50, DS1WM 40, DS1WM 50, DCMM 40, DCWM 40, and DCWM 50 categories. The second round took place the following day, followed by the awards ceremony at 6:00 PM.

On October 19, the first rounds of the DBM, DBW, DBMM 40, DBMM 50, DBWM 40, DBWM 50, DBWJ, DCM, DCW, DCMJ, and DCWJ categories were held. The second rounds took place on October 20, culminating in an exciting awards ceremony and the official closing of the event.

Jakub Krzemiński, one of the championship's highlights, recorded the second-fastest time on the second day, but it wasn’t enough to secure second place overall, finishing 9 seconds behind the runner-up. We invited this star athlete to share his insights on the challenges of the course and the unique aspects of the event, providing a privileged perspective for canicross enthusiasts.

Jakub Krzemiński: "The Champs in finland Jamijarvi where wild. Low temperature but dry, track was excellent about the surface. First part of the track was really fast, good but a little bit sandy surface , doesnt interupt during run, next part od the track was flat and there should be pace like at the begining if anyonr would fight for the medals, last part of the yrack was uphill, two short ups and the main cherry - step uphill 100m was really difficult, and there flat section, and finish.

Track was difficult, there were not any time for rest, if anyone would fight for medals there he/she do their best from start to finish. Every part of the track were well prepared and there whole competition did great. Everything you train then everything made you best results. This competition wad hard but satisfied as well, pure canicross - the best of we loved that sport is made, glad to participate in such a great event, it was awesome, and what is more - I did 2:38min/km at 10,2km and end with 3rd place in Europe

I'm such a greatfull about this competition, the competitors made me to step forward ahead my weakness, and I did my best run in my whole carier, so I'm so happy that you ever know 😊 cheers to everyone, and do your best with your dogs as well!"

JakubKrzemiński

Interview with Ondra Svěchota.

Ondra, what was your training routine and physical and mental preparation for such a competition?

We tried to race a lot every weekend during the entire autumn. During the week, I trained the dog with the scooter. And for me I created a training plan that included 2-3 hard running sessions and the rest were easier, longer runs. Mental preparation didn’t really take place. I knew that if everything in training went according to plan, it would be fine.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the competition, and how did you and your dog overcome them together?

The challenge was the course itself. At first glance, it looked like nothing difficult. But during the race, it was the opposite. The combination of a fast, hard course that constantly ascended in the second half was really demanding. It was really tough.

The connection between the athlete and the dog is crucial in canicross. What strategies do you use to strengthen this partnership and ensure that both are in peak form during the race?

I try to spend as much time as possible with my dogs. Before the race, I have a ritual of taking them to bed with me in the morning. I hope that helps to create a strong bond.

What does this victory mean to you personally and professionally? What are your future goals and ambitions in canicross after this historic success?

It is definitely a satisfaction for me that what we do, we do well. This year, the ICF World Championshipn is at home, so we want to show ourselves in the best light possible.

Photo: Camille Paris