FINA Open Water Events in Portugal, Italy This Past Weekend

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 20. IT was a busy week-end for the open water's global elite with a race of FINA's two major circuits taking place in Europe. On June 18, the third leg of the 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup was held in Setubal (POR) while Italy hosted, on the 19th, the Capri-Napoli 36km race, the sixth stage of the Open Water Swimming Grand Prix.

More than 60 swimmers from 20 countries took the departure from Setubal Bay to get a foretaste of next year's Olympic Marathon Swim Qualifier taking place on June 9-10, 2012. Germany and Greece clearly dominated the operations. The men's event was won by powerful Spyridon Gianniotis (GRE) in a time of 1h40m29s. He was closely followed by long-distance specialist Petar Stoychev (BUL), clocking 1h40m31s. Reigning World champion in 5km and 10km Thomas Lurz placed third in 1h40m36s. Lurz currently leads the general standings with a podium appearance in each of the races contested so far. Among women, Angela Maurer (GER) was the fastest (1h48m41s) and celebrated her first podium of the season in the Marathon series. Compatriot Isabell Donath placed second (1h48m43s), improving from her third-place finish in the Cancun leg last April. Taking third was up-and-comer Kalliopi Araouzou (GRE) in 1h48m51s.

In the men's Grand Prix race, Czech Rotislav Vitek was the surprising winner after a 7h05m49s effort. He had to contend with the likes of home favourite Andrea Volpini, who finished second in 7h06m00s. Mohammad Saleh's (SYR) third spot was also a positive discovery (7h11m09s). Pilar Geijo (ARG) won the women's event in convincing fashion and secures her overall lead, touching first in 7h34m21. Runner-up Esther Nunez Morera (ESP) crossed the line 37 minutes later (8h11m35s) while local hope Alessandra Romiti placed third (8h21m13s).

Full FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2011 calendar:
Race 1: April 17, 2011 in Santos (BRA)
Race 2: April 30, 2011 in Cancun (MEX)
Race 3: June 18, 2011 in Setubal (POR)
NEXT RACE: July 24, 2011 in Lac St-Jean (CAN)
Race 5: August 13, 2011 in Lac Megantic (CAN)
Race 6: September 25, 2011 in Shantou (CHN)
Race 7: October 2, 2011 in Hong Kong (HKG)

Full FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix 2011 calendar:
Race 1: January 23, 2011 in Rosario (ARG, 15km)
Race 2: January 30, 2011 in Santa Fe-Coronda (ARG, 57km)
Race 3: February 5, 2011 in Viedma (ARG, 12km)
Race 4: February 13, 2011 in Hernandarias-Parana (ARG, 88km)
Cancelled: April 23, 2011 in Sumidero Canyon (MEX, 15km)
Race 6: June 19, 2011 in Capri-Napoli (ITA, 36km)
NEXT RACE: July 30, 2011 in Lac St. Jean (CAN, 32km)
Race 8: August 6, 2011 in Lake Memphremagog (CAN, 34km)
Race 9: August 7, 2011 in Sabac (SRB, 19km)
Race 10: August 14, 2011 in Ohrid Lake (MKD, 30km)
Race 11: September 17, 2011 in Jabelah (SYR, 30km)

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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