Romania set to become the epicentre of Europe’s top young talent: Inside the 2026 ICF SUP Junior International Cup with Răzvan Marinescu

The upcoming 2026 ICF SUP Junior International Cup, taking place in Bascov, Romania, from 19 – 21 June, promises to be one of the most prominent showcases of young international SUP talent. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Budeasa Regatta Course – one of the best-equipped canoeing venues in Eastern Europe – the stage is set for a world-class event.

SUP clubs across Europe have been mobilising, working tirelessly with young athletes who have trained through the winter to arrive ready to compete at elite level.

Sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation, the event will bring together top U14, U16, and U18 athletes for elite international competition. Focused exclusively on juniors, the Cup offers a high-level platform to test skill, strategy, and endurance against the best emerging paddlers in the sport.

In the lead-up to the event, we caught up with Răzvan Marinescu – athlete, coach, and Event Director of the 2026 ICF SUP Junior International Cup, as well as one of the key pioneers and promoters of stand-up paddling in Romania.

Hello Razvan! First of all, can you introduce yourselves to our readers and tell us how you got involved with SUP Racing?

Hello Mathieu, hello Total SUP! I discovered SUP about 15 years ago and it was love at first sight: pure fun pure joy and an activity with huge educational potential to introduce children to water sports. From those first paddling hours, I’ve had a wonderful journey –  coaching, running demos and promotional events, organising fun races and OPEN competitions, and being part of the kids’ transformation into young athletes and then remarkable riders.

I also secured SUP’s official recognition as a sport within the Romanian Kayak-Canoe Federation, organised the first National Championships, and took part in international events.

You’re also professionally involved with coaching. Can you tell us about your roles at the Romanian Coaching School as well as at your SUP club in Bucharest.

I strongly believe that sport plays an essential role in educating, shaping, and developing individuals – especially children and juniors – through the values it instills and the long term benefits it provides. Promoting the principles and rules of sport, as well as studying the stages of athletic development, are part of my professional activity as a lecturer at the National School of Coaches, where I teach Theory and Methodology of Sports Training.

Additionally, as the coordinating coach of the Nautical Department at the Municipal Sports Club Bucharest, I have succeeded in being one of the pioneers and promoters of stand-up paddling in Romania.

How did this project start, and what motivated you to create an international event specifically dedicated to young athletes?

The project is the initiative of Mr Gabriel Balan, an important figure in the Romanian SUP community and a strong supporter of its development. Our goal is to provide a platform that can identify young talents early on, giving them the opportunity to meet, connect, and compete within age group categories and to become a part of an amazing global community.

We aim to offer them the chance to experience a high level competition at a young age, organized according to the ICF standards.

The event is ICF-labelled? How is the international canoe federation involved?

The event is a premiere for all of us – We have received very positive feedback from the ICF, as well as their support for organizing the competition.

This event is clearly a first? Is it a one-off or are you using it as a pilot event for possible future editions?

We aim for this event to take place annually and to become a reference point in the international competition calendar. We are already preparing exciting new features for the upcoming editions.

Image source: sayfuture.ro

Tell us about the venue and the conditions athletes can expect.

The Bascov – Budeasa Regatta Course offers everything athletes need for a smooth, enjoyable, high-quality racing experience:

• 9 perfectly marked sprint lanes – ideal for high-level sprint racing
• Calm, flat, protected water – suited for both sprint and long-distance events
• A spacious finish tower and control centre
• Modern athlete facilities and secure boat storage
• Generous parking and excellent viewing areas for supporters
• On-site medical, media, and hospitality spaces

All of this is set within a beautiful natural environment, supported by Romania’s reputation as a safe country with warm, welcoming people who make every visitor feel at home.

Image source: sayfuture.ro

What are the race formats and schedule?

The competition takes place over three days, from June 19 to 21, with each day dedicated to a specific event. Friday, 19 June features the 100 m Sprint, followed by the 800 m Technical Race on Saturday, 20 June, and concluding with the 10 K Long Distance on Sunday, 21 June.

Each competition day is designed to offer athletes a focused, high-quality racing experience, allowing them to perform at their best and fully enjoy every race.

The event boasts a huge prize money and goodies – can you please give us a more specific breakdown?

We are excited to offer significant cash prizes, totalling €25,000, equally distributed between male and female categories for the U18 and U16 age groups.

For the U14 category, athletes will receive special goodies, and we are already preparing a few exciting surprises to celebrate their enthusiasm and participation.

Our goal is to reward performance, encourage young talent, and create a memorable experience for every athlete on the water.

Will there be a live broadcast and where to watch?

We are committed to promoting young athletes, their dedication, and their passion for the sport. Our broadcast plan is currently under development, but our goal is clear: to showcase the energy, progress, and talent of the next riders’ generation.

We aim to create a media experience that highlights the athletes’ stories, captures key race moments, and brings the excitement of the competition closer to the global SUP community. More details will be announced soon as we finalize the production and distribution setup.

What are the requirements and the process to register for the event?

For registrations, we are collaborating with Memosoft, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience for all participants.
There is no participation or registration fee, as we want to keep the event accessible and encourage as many young athletes as possible to join. Athletes can register directly on our platform: www.sayfuture.ro

To find out more about the event and register, visit sayfuture.ro

Follow the event on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Răzvan Marinescu on Instagram 

Revisit our interview with Romania’s World Champion Matei Barbu confirmed for the event here 

*Images courtesy of sayfuture.ro and Răzvan Marinescu