Cuban canoeists Yarisleidis Cirilo and Yinnolis Franchesca López are currently completing a high-altitude training camp in Guatapé, Antioquia, in preparation for the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026.

Alejandro Hamze, president of the Cuban Kayak and Canoe Federation, told JIT that the training block in the South American nation will conclude on April 18. "They will then travel to Europe to compete in three World Cups: Szeged, Hungary (May 8–10), Poznan, Poland (May 22–24), and Duisburg, Germany (June 5–7). These are key competitions because they contribute points to the world ranking and are part of the Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028."

Hamze noted that before competing in Europe, the athletes will complete a preparatory training block on the continent, based in Poland. The pair rank among the world's elite, having earned World Cup medals, Pan American titles, and finals appearances at world championships.

"They are our historic C2 duo, capable of going head-to-head with the European powerhouses. Their synchronization and power make them undisputed favorites for the gold medal in Santo Domingo 2026," Hamze stated.

The remainder of the athletes committed to the Games are currently training at the La Coronela reservoir, at the José Smith Comas Rowing and Canoeing School in Caimito, with a comprehensive training approach.

Hamze emphasized that Cirilo and López made the trip accompanied by their head coach, Nelson Perales, and a lean but essential support staff to ensure proper technique, monitoring, and recovery. "While they work at altitude to build endurance and aerobic capacity, the rest of the team at La Coronela focuses on technique and training volume," he explained.

The federation president added that the European World Cup circuit will be critical for benchmarking the duo against the world's best. "That experience will be decisive, and the goal is to arrive at Santo Domingo 2026 with confidence, with the ambition of revalidating regional dominance in women's canoe," Hamze affirmed.

Cirilo claimed bronze in the C1 event at her last major international competition, Paris 2024, while López distinguished herself at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción — both competing in the C1 200-meter event.