Paris (AFP)
A thousand brave took part Sunday at the Nautic Paddle of Paris, stand-up paddle race on the Seine which is also for the professionals the last stage of the world circuit.
The participants, most of them amateurs, jumped on their paddle, board on which one stands up and advances with a paddle, starting from the National Library of France to join the quay of Javel, 11 kilometers downstream.
Most wore a fluorescent yellow jersey to brave the little light in the world's busiest stand-up paddle event, according to its organizers.
Others, less competitive, took part in the race disguised: a man in a suit and bow tie, or an entire crew of Star Wars fans, dressed in Jedi and Sith fighter outfits and waving their lightsaber, on a large scale. board.
For the professionals, whose course included a complete lap - thus against the current - of the islands of the City and Saint-Louis, the event allowed Casper Steinfath of Denmark, who arrived 11th, to be crowned world champion of the race. , succeeding the French Arthur Arutkin (19th).
On the women's side, USA's Seychelle Webster (2nd) was already assured of the world title before the start of the race.
The stage win goes to Australian Michael Booth in the men's and American Fiona Wylde in the women's.
© 2019 AFP