Loughton's David Florence knows he has the ability to win both the C1 and C2 World Cups but stressed the unpredictable nature of canoe slalom means it is almost impossible to have confidence he will achieve it.

Florence is currently fourth in the C1 standings after four rounds of the World Cup with just one remaining, and still has the chance of medalling in the C2 category alongside partner Richard Hounslow, although they are some way behind the leaders in 13th.

Competitors earn 60 points for a win, 55 for the draw and the scale continues down so one bad run can see a gold medal hope slip out of contention in a flash.

There is one World Cup left, with round five taking place in Pau, France, this weekend – and Florence is not ruling anything out.

“The season has not been too bad; you are always looking to do better though,” he said.

“I got on the podium a couple of times in the C1 World Cup season. In C2 I got on the podium at the European Championships [winning bronze] after a really good run and just a touch denied us gold.

“Asking what my hopes are for round five is such a difficult question because we focus so much on the process of putting in a good run and doing the best we can.

“In both boats we know if we put in a fantastic run then we could win the race and we have to see how it goes on the day.

“In C1 there were three of us right up there at the start – I think I was equal first after the opening two rounds – but then none of us made the final in Slovakia so it is that sort of sport where it can happen. But I’m in a reasonably good place and I want to do the best I can in the last two races.

“If things go well then I have every chance of being up there. But it would be a foolish thing for anyone in our sport to say they are confident of winning the World Cup.

“I am confident that I am as likely to win the races as anyone else. My training is going well and I am able to give my best in the races. The outcome is more unpredictable.”

It is a huge year for the canoe slalom squad with a home World Championships in September and the individual qualifying event for the Rio Olympics a few weeks later.

Florence, who has won silver in his last two Games, will be one of the favourites at Lee Valley in September, as he looks to regain the World Championship title he won in 2013.

When asked if the World Cups were a stepping stone towards the World Championships, he replied: “Yes and no. They are really big races in their own right.

“It is still a chance to race the best guys in the world and if you win a World Cup then there is not much of a difference to winning the World Championships apart from them being called different names.

“They are good practice for the World Championships but I am also going into those races hoping to win.”

See the world’s top canoe slalom athletes in action on the Olympic course in London at the Canoe Slalom World Championships. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/london2015 -Ends-