Category: Athlete Development

The MRC Development Team delivered an impressive set of performances at the 2026 Waterlands Marathon on Saturday 18 April, taking on the renowned 24-km course through the canals and waterways surrounding Amsterdam. The British squad of 12 athletes, nine juniors and three under‑23 paddlers, joined a world‑class international field for one of Europe’s most distinctive marathon races.

The Waterlands Marathon is famous for its variety: tight right‑angle turns through narrow dykes, long exposed stretches of wind‑affected canalsl, and fast mass starts featuring up to 80 boats. The route forms a rough loop from the Amsterdam Viking Club, weaving through the surrounding fields and villages.

One of the race’s most iconic features is the second portage, where paddlers must drive their boats straight out of the water and onto a bed of cut reeds. The British team took time on Friday to practise this unusual obstacle, quickly discovering that a fast and committed approach is the key to success.

The British women and girls were first onto the water, setting off alongside the veteran categories in calm, favourable conditions. A fierce battle unfolded at the front of the junior girls’ race, with Kyla Holt (Richmond Canoe Club) locked in a head‑to‑head duel with Italian competitor, Elisa Cardella. After a hard‑fought final sprint, Kyla secured an excellent silver medal, narrowly missing out on the win. Ruth Shephard (Reading Canoe Club) finished in fifth and Molly Bates (Richmond Canoe Club) in sixth.

A similar storyline played out in the junior boys’ race. Will Roeser (Wey Kayak Club) went stroke‑for‑stroke with Italy’s Candela, an athlete with a strong international pedigree, all the way to the line. Will claimed a superb silver, with teammate Marcel Nagy (Reading Canoe Club) delivering a powerful final third of the race to take bronze, completing a double podium for Great Britain. Benjamin Eskriett (Gailey Canoe Club) finished in fifth, and Tyler Kinder (Reading Canoe Club) in sixth. The under-16 athletes Doogal Barnett (Reading Canoe Club) finished in eighth and Edward Stroud (Wey Kayak Club) in twelfth. 

Across all categories, the British athletes demonstrated exceptional adaptability and boat handling on a course that demands constant tactical and technical adjustment. The under‑23 paddlers provided excellent role-modelling throughout the trip, setting a great example for the junior athletes both on and off the water and achieving strong results in tough fields. Lochlain Lovell (Worcester Canoe Club) finished in ninth, Cassian Payne (Chelmsford Canoe Club) in twenty-first and Sienna Payne (Chelmsford Canoe Club) achieved seventh in the senior women’s race.

After racing, the team enjoyed an evening walk through central Amsterdam, a chance to stretch tired legs and celebrate a successful day before the long journey home.

Special thanks go to the volunteer staff team of Brian, Tom, Estelle, and Tim, whose work made the trip possible.

In addition to the selected development squad, several British paddlers travelled independently to compete. James Russell (Chelmsford Canoe Club) continued his outstanding form, securing his third consecutive victory at the Waterlands Marathon, confirming his strength against other world-class athletes.

Official results for all categories can be found on the event website here.