Beijing Test Event K1 Men Results Qualifications

The Olympic Test event got underway today with the heats of the men's C1 and men's K1. Out of a field of 33 starters in the men's K1, 15 athletes qualified for the semi final. In the men's C1 event, 12 out of 23 starters progressed to the next stage, according to the Olympic program.
The 20 gate course, designed by the ICF technical committe members, Eric Giddens and Jean Michel Prono, challenged the field in the first event on the new Olympic course.

Today’s qualification heats with an impressive line up of competitors all with expections of making Olympic qualifications later this year in Brazil had a few upset with number one world ranked German paddler Alex Grimm and World Champ 2006 Cipressi (ITA) missing the semi cut. Pfannmoller held the lead with a total of 180.96 ahead of world champion, Julien Billaut of France and America's Brett Heyl.

Mike Dawson with two touches in run one knew he had to nail the course run two to be in contention for a semis spot. With this in mind he started fast unfortunately nicked gate one on the drop. His improved time run two was the 7th fastest and with a two second penalty he was just outside the cut finishing 23rd at the Good Luck Beijing Olympic test event. He was in world class company with Michael Kurt SUI, Helmut Oblinger (AUT), Warwick Draper (AUS) all also missing the cut.

In the C1 event, Michal Martikan showed his dominance finishing four seconds ahead of the field with a total of 188.61 seconds.

The Chinese organisers succeeded in producing a high quality event on the first day of competition. The technical organisation was faultless with a high level of service and attention to detail for the teams and athletes.

Check out the full results on http://imagesx.sports.cn/File/2007/08/16/1930077403.pdf

Mike now flies home to NZL for training and preparation before heading to Brazil for the World Champs and Olympic Qualification race later this month.