French Athletes Tom Durand and Louis Laumain Gear Up for European Canoe-Kayak Championships

Tom Durand and Louis Laumain are poised to represent France at the U18-U23 European Canoe-Kayak Championships, set to occur from July 3 to July 7, 2025, in Pitesti, Romania. This significant event marks a milestone for the duo, who are members of the Espérance Canoë Decize Saint-Léger club.

Durand will compete in partnership with Gabriel Renard from the Association Saint-Laurent Canoë-Kayak Grand Arras, while Laumain joins forces with Jules Cuenot. The competitions for Laumain and Cuenot will commence on July 3 at 10:22 AM, followed by Durand and Renard’s race later that afternoon at 3:50 PM.

Despite their enthusiasm, Laumain expressed concerns regarding their preparation, noting that the pair had only one week of joint training before the championships. He remarked on the challenges this poses, especially when compared to international athletes who often benefit from years of rigorous training. "Training together is scarce in France, making it difficult to catch up with our competitors," Laumain stated, highlighting the competitive edge that other nations may hold.

As they gear up for this international challenge, both Durand and Laumain are looking forward to showcasing their skills on a larger stage, following their experiences in various regattas and a preparatory training camp earlier this month.