PICK OF THE DAY

This weekend/Canoeing International Slalom Stockton-on-Tees

Britain's largest purpose-built white water course at Stockton- on-Tees, part of the £50m Tees Barrage Project, opens for business this weekend when it hosts an international event, a round of the International Canoe Federation's spring series. Seven nations compete and the British team will be led by Shaun Pearce, Gareth Marriott and Lynn Simpson, all world No 1s in their respective classes. The new artificial course has been constructed in a landscaped amphitheatre, providing ideal adjustable conditions for competitors and uninterrupted viewing for spectators, who will be admitted free. Heats in this sport where paddlers battle against the water flow and the clock, will be held tomorrow, with the leading 50 per cent qualifying for Sunday afternoon's finals. Four categories will be contested - men's and women's individual kayak, where the paddler is seated, Canadian singles and doubles, where canoeists kneel.

How to get there: Teesside Whitewater Course is off A66 and three minutes from A19 at Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland. Racing: tomorrow 2.30-6.15pm; Sunday 12-1pm. Finals 2.30-5.30pm. (Tel: 01642 678000).