Almost 100 athletes from 20 countries are set to compete, with Ukrainians expected to dominate.

Aside from Yemelianov, world champions and Paralympic silver medallists Maryna Mazhula and Mykola Syniuk are also in the Ukrainian team are set to race in the women's KL1 and men's KL2, respectively.

Yemelianov is a two-time Paralympic champion.

For many, this event marks the start of their path to Paris 2024, and multiple athletes are set to make an ICF Paracanoe World Cup debut.

Israeli doctor Irina Shafir, who broke her back in an acrobatic accident three years ago, is one of those debutants.

"I like sports, I like moving, so as part of my rehabilitation I wanted to find a sport where I didn’t need to be in a wheelchair," said Shafir.

"I don't like the wheelchair, and I want to be out of it as much as possible, so I said any kind of sport that will take me out of a wheelchair, I am willing to try.

"To be honest my main goal is just to enjoy it, and I'm hoping to be as good as I can. 

"I hope it will help me somehow with my rehabilitation."

Kiss, from Hungary, is also a two-time world and European champion.

The Paracanoe World Cup leg is set to last from tomorrow until Sunday (May 29).