Ricarda Funk was unbeatable in the K1 at the ICF Slalom World Cup in Markkleeberg ©Getty Images

Germany’s Ricarda Funk confirmed her standing as the fastest K1 paddler in the world this year on home water to win gold on the final day of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Markkleeberg.

The 25-year-old produced a super-fast performance in the German town just north of Leipzig which, which last hosted a World Cup event in 2011.

Funk was swift in the semi-finals, and even swifter in the final, posting a time of 103.85sec to beat Australia’s Jessica Fox by 2.46, with Slovenia’s Eva Tercelj third in 109.97.

The gold followed on from the equally impressive win on her home course in Augsburg one week ago.

"It was a good day today, I just felt good and I was very focussed and had fun on the water,” Funk said.

"I don’t know what is different now for me. 

"My Europeans didn’t go so well, so I just wanted to show what I could do.”

Slovakia's 38-year-old Michal Martikan won his 20th ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup title in Markkleeberg, 22 years after his first ©Getty Images
Slovakia's 38-year-old Michal Martikan won his 20th ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup title in Markkleeberg, 22 years after his first ©Getty Images

The men’s gold was claimed by 38-year-old Michal Martikan, the Slovak veteran who earned his first World Cup gold 22 years ago.

Almost two years to the day since Martikan won his last World Cup gold medal, he added a 20th by beating Germany’s Sideris Tasiadis by 0.69 on the difficult course.

Martikan’s time was 100.88, while Great Britain’s Adam Burgess came third in 101.76.

"It doesn’t happen every day, so this is really a very good feeling,” the five-time Olympian said.

"I enjoy paddling every time, and it’s much better when you can win. I can absolutely say that I love canoe slalom.”

The fourth ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will be held in Ivrea in Italy from September 1 to 3.