The 2015 edition of the FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup kicks off this Saturday February 7 with La Patagones-Viedma race in Argentina. Nearly 100 of the world’s top marathon swimmers will take the plunge for the opening race of the eleven-stop pro circuit.
In 2014, more than 300 swimmers from 38 countries took part in the event. This year features a tough competitive field again with Brazilians Ana Marcela Cunha and Allan do Carmo, 2014 overall winners, as strong favourites. With a total prize money of USD 180’000 on offer and the Series taking place in nine different countries across three continents, more swimmers are expected to answer the call of open water.
After Viedma, the World Cup heads to Abu Dhabi (Qatar, still tbc) on March 13, Noumea (New Caledonia) on April 18, Cancun (Mexico) on May 2, Balatonfured (Hungary) on June 20, Setubal (Portugal) on June 27, Lac St-Jean (Canada) on July 23, Lac Magog (Canada) on July 30, Lac Megantic (CAN) on August 8, Chun An (China) on October 12 and Hong Kong on October 17.
On Sunday February 8, FINA’s Open Water Swimming Grand Prix 2015, which features races above 10km, debuts in Argentina as well: 26 swimmers from 10 countries are entered in the 25km race linking Villa Urquiza to Parana.
The Grand Prix this year comprises the following six stops: Villa Urquiza-Parana (Argentina) on February 8, Cancun (Mexico, 15km) on April 25, Lac St-Jean (Canada, 32km) on July 25, Lac Magog (Canada, 34km) on August 1, Ohrid Lake (FYR Macedonia, 33km) and Capri-Napoli (Italy, 36km) on September 6.
Pilar Geijo, who totals the most victories among women (11), is among the top qualifiers for Race no.1 in Argentina. The home favourite will have to contend with the likes of powerful Esther Nunez Morera of Spain, victorious in eight Grand Prix races over the past eight editions.
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