David Florence to lead British slalom squad for 2011

“The conditions are tough,” Florence told BBC Sport, “but it was great to see how many spectators there were. It was exciting.

“This is the first race of serious consequence on this course and it will be a similar format next year to decide who is the one boat [per class] to get to go to the Olympics. You can see it building towards London.

“The big thing is to be the person who gets that spot for Britain and being the best performer at the Worlds, to go there and win a medal, will help that.”

British head coach Jurg Gotz said: “There weren’t really any surprises. Experience has shown through at the end.

“In the women’s K1, we’ve seen some fantastic performances and Laura Blakeman is back in the team. We have at least two boats of top-five material in all four of the Olympic classes.

“We want to make sure the Union Jack goes up in the middle of the flag-poles next year.”

This is the first full year of training on the Olympic course for the British team, the majority of whom moved from the Nottingham area late last year having previously trained at Holme Pierrepont.

“I’ve moved down here but I’m not quite settled yet,” admitted 28-year-old Florence.

“I’m staying with my girlfriend’s sister a bit nearer London. Four months on an airbed has maybe been a bit much but I should be getting something sorted soon.

“Some of the guys have been in a hostel for a bit, everyone’s been trying to find somewhere to live. Everyone’s been making do but now we’re glad to be here paddling on the course.”