Angel Petrushev victorious at 57th IKAS in Matka
Petrushev finished in 85,73 seconds without penalties; event at Matka also scored for ICF world ranking.
Angel Petrushev claimed first place at the 57th International Ilinden Kayak Slalom – IKAS 2026, held on the course at the Matka Sports Center. Petrushev finished the run with a time of 85,73 seconds, without penalty seconds, and took the victory in the elite field.
Podium and local results
Slovenian paddler Enej Grm finished second, trailing Petrushev by 3,60 seconds, while Canadian Daniel Perry completed the podium with a time of 89,75 seconds. The event attracted international competitors and produced close racing across the top positions.
Macedonian entrants also featured prominently: Stefan Ribarski placed fifth with a time of 91,79 seconds. Borche Mirchevski finished eighth, Pavel Dimovski ninth and Andrej Arsovski tenth. Kristian Smilev took the 11th position.
In addition to preserving the long tradition of IKAS as one of North Macedonia’s foremost kayak events, Matka hosted a race that counted toward the International Canoe Federation (ICF) world ranking this year.
The competition showcased local paddlers against international rivals on a demanding slalom course, underlining Matka’s status as a regular venue for top-level regional racing.
Photo: press material from the event
