La Seu d'Urgell: an Olympic legacy that is still very much alive When it comes to elite canoeing in Catalonia, all eyes inevitably turn to La Seu d’Urgell. Since hosting the Olympic events in 1992, the city’s connection with the River Segre has continued to grow and evolve at a professional level. The Segre Olympic Park is not just a world-class sporting venue; it is a symbol of how a town has successfully transformed its natural surroundings to become a global benchmark for innovation in sport. The Segre Olympic Park: a high-performance sporting venue This facility regularly hosts major international competitions, including the Canoe Slalom World Cup Final, held every year in September. The Segre Olympic Park features an 800-metre channel running parallel to the River Segre, which splits into two 500-metre rapids courses with a drop in elevation of 6.5 metres. The park’s technology, which allows the water flow to be precisely regulated, ensures optimal conditions all year round, making it a training ground for athletes from across the globe striving for excellence with every stroke. Here, you can watch the world’s best paddlers put themselves to the test on a course that demands pinpoint precision. The spectacle of boats dancing between the gates, challenging the current, is an experience that will captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and those discovering the river for the very first time. Following the current to Sort: the wildest side of the water If La Seu represents the technical precision of slalom, the river’s current naturally leads you on to Sort, the cradle of adventure and the heart of wildwater tradition in Catalonia. The River Noguera Pallaresa, considered one of the finest in Europe for wildwater sports, is the lifeblood of the Pallars Sobirà region. In Sort, you’ll discover that canoeing is more than just a sport — it is a way of life and a cultural tradition passed down from generation to generation. The thrill of descending natural currents, surrounded by towering rock faces and lush forests, offers a deeply immersive experience that connects you directly with the landscape. The iconic regatta course, as it passes through the centre of the town, has become a natural stadium where the proximity to the paddlers creates an electric yet welcoming atmosphere that captivates you from the very first moment. The combination of technical sections and the raw beauty of the Pyrenees means that every descent along the Noguera Pallaresa tells a new story — one in which sport and a deep respect for the natural environment go hand in hand. A shared horizon: La Seu d’Urgell and Sort as hosts of the 2027 Canoeing World Championships This combined effort between La Seu d’Urgell and Sort sets the stage for a historic milestone that will mark a turning point in the history of sport in Catalonia. In 2027, the Catalan Pyrenees will once again become the epicentre of world canoeing with the joint hosting of the Wildwater Canoeing World Championships. What’s more, these Championships will serve as a qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Get ready to experience an event featuring slalom, rapids and freestyle competitions, showcasing every facet of modern canoeing. The partnership between La Seu d’Urgell and Sort in organising this World Championships highlights the strength of the region and its ability to offer world-class infrastructure in a high-mountain setting. It will be a moment of pride for Catalonia, as the tradition of the River Noguera Pallaresa and the precision of the Segre Olympic channel come together to welcome paddlers and spectators from across the globe, further establishing the Pyrenees as a leading international destination. Beyond the water: discover a region where sport and nature come together The appeal of these competitions goes far beyond what happens on the water — and this is where you become the protagonist of a truly immersive experience. Choosing the Catalan Pyrenees as your destination for canoeing means embracing a landscape that transforms with the seasons, from sky-reaching peaks to the lush green valleys of summer. Between events, an endless range of experiences awaits: from exploring the rich Romanesque heritage of Alt Urgell to sampling local gastronomy based on seasonal, locally sourced produce — artisan cheeses, meats and wild mushrooms. Connect with the land and its identity, where sport, tradition and heritage come together. A commitment to the future: sustainability as a guiding principle The experience you’ll enjoy in the Pyrenees is closely tied to environmental preservation, ensuring that the magic of these rivers remains intact. Both La Seu d’Urgell and Sort have led initiatives to ensure that sporting activity fully respects river ecosystems. The Segre Olympic Park, for example, is a pioneering facility that harnesses the power of water through a circular approach and has become a global model for sustainability. Looking ahead to the 2027 World Championships, this commitment to the environment will be at the heart of the event, with the aim of minimising its environmental footprint and leaving a positive legacy for local communities. In this way, Catalonia demonstrates its ability to combine sporting ambition with a firm responsibility towards its natural heritage, offering not only a world-class spectacle but also the reassurance that you are visiting a destination that values and protects its rivers. The Pyrenees are waiting for you to help write, stroke by stroke, the next chapter in the history of world canoeing. Let it all unfold — and come and experience it for yourself.