The rising stars of slalom wrapped up their selection series today in Nottingham, as junior and U23 athletes took part in the business end of racing at Holme Pierrepont, with international places on the line.
Sunday saw races five and six take place, with athletes taking their best four performances across the series towards the selection table.
Ben Haylett continued his early season form by securing two further wins in the U23 men's kayak selections, meaning the Holme Pierrepont paddler remained undefeated on all six occasions to achieve maximum points in the selection process.
Finishing second in race five behind senior paddler David Paterson (Manchester), Ben went on to put down the quickest run of the day down in run six in 82.79 , including a two second touch.
Pleased with his early season form following selection to the senior kayak cross team, Ben said:
“I'm delighted to get six from six this series. Really chuffed with how I've paddled. To find that consistency and deliver on both courses racing against a stacked start-line.
“It's been a great start to the season and to hit the ground running after winter training is great. I've been focussing on maintaining speed and gaining speed of the features which I feel has come through.
“It's a busy year which includes kayak cross and Prague for the Olympic qualifier is a huge focus of mine.”
With Jonny Dickson (CR Cats) pre-selected, Ben placed ahead of U23 athletes Edward Dickinson (Stafford & Stone) and Sam Leaver (Edinburgh Schools) who finished second in races five and six respectively.
The same feat was only matched by Jonah Harahan (Independent) who starred in the men's junior kayak, taking six wins out of six across Lee Valley and Nottingham as he looks to achieve a place on his second international team.
Sisters Zoe Blythe-Shields (Lee Valley) and Joanna Blythe-Shields (Lee Valley) both took a win each on the final day of the U23 women's canoe.
With both rounds won by Paris bound Mallory Franklin, Joanna put down a strong run of 108.67 in race five which was closely followed by Lee Valley juniors Arina Kontchakov and Darcey McMullins.
Zoe rounded off her weekend and selection series with a U23 and Junior win in race six, with a time of 105.83. Her time was just ahead of Joanna and Rachel Ellis (Lee Valley) who were both racing for U23 selection.
Zoe said:
“I'm really happy with how I've done over the selection process. I feel I did better at Lee Valley, but I'm really happy with how I've done in the last two races so it's been a great weekend overall.
“I've had a really good winter training and had some great time at Lee Valley with my new coach.
“I can't wait for the season ahead.”
Luc Royle (Stafford & Stone) completed an impressive weekend in Nottingham as he took four wins from four in the U23 men's canoe rounds.
Heading to Holme Pierrepont with two second place finishes from the racing at Lee Valley, Luc showed some strong pace on the course this weekend to put himself in strong contention for selection.
Delighted with how he's performed, Luc said: “I'm really pleased with my performances overall this weekend. It was nice to take the two wins on the first day and put myself in strong contention for a place on the U23 team.
“Since January I've made a lot of progress feeling really good going into the season. It's nice to have selections in Nottingham. I grew up around here and the course is a favourite of mine, so great to be back.
William Kettle (Lee Valley) also enjoyed a successful weekend.
The junior athlete won all four junior selection runs across the weekend, with the U18's final run of 94.41 in race six placing third overall, beating a number of senior and U23 athletes in the process.
Paris bound Adam Burgess topped the standings in both of Sunday's races, his first race of the day setting an incredible marker for the remainder of the field to follow.
Ellis Miller (Lee Valley) and Katie Shattock (Taunton) both added a win each in their bid for the U23 women's kayak team.
Macy Kang (Holme Pierrepont) finished second on both occasions, meaning the trio banked good selection points to strengthen their selection campaigns with just two places available on the team.
Zoe Blythe-Shields (Lee Valley) added another win to her tally in the junior kayak standings in race six, whilst under 14 paddler Helena Nabili (Pinkston) put in a show stopping performance in race five, navigating the course in 107.69, topping the juniors.