The first of the country's quartet of victories on the Polish city's Kolna Regatta Course came in the men's C1 junior event.

They triumphed in a time of 1 min 40.74sec with Germany 0.90 seconds behind in runner-up spot and Britain 2.56 seconds off the pace in third.

There was also success for France in the women's K1 under-23 competition in 1:44.77.

Czech Republic finished second in 1:47.20, while Germany were third in 1:48.21.

France's two other wins were in the women's K1 junior and men's K1 under-23 events.

In the women's K1 junior, a time of 1:45.41 proved enough for victory by a margin of 0.80 seconds over Czech Republic.

Britain rounded off the podium in 1:47.40.

The men's K1 under-23 saw France prevail in 1:29.83, ahead of Slovenia in 1:30.72 and Spain in 1:32.23.

Two of the other four gold medals went to Italy, thanks to their wins in the men's C1 under-23 and women's C1 junior competitions.

In the men's C1 under-23, the Italians clocked a time of 1:34.69 with Slovakia second in 1:36.51 and Czech Republic third in 1:36.53.

It was the same front three in the women's C1 junior with Italy first in 2:00.44, Slovakia second in 2:09.66 and Czech Republic third in 2:10.74. 

Also topping podiums today were Czech Republic and Britain, in the women's C1 under-23 and men's K1 junior events, respectively.

Czech Republic secured their gold medal in 1:48.52 with France the silver medallists in 1:52.06 and Australia the bronze medallists in 1:59.54.

Britain, meanwhile, tasted glory with a time of 1:31.49 as they held off Czech Republic, second in 1:34.25, and Germany, third in 1:35.41.

Action is due to continue tomorrow.