Andrea Volpini, Pilar Geijo Win in Argentina in FINA Open Water Grand Prix Stop

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, February 16. IMPRESSIVE endurance and strength were on display in the longest race of the FINA Grand Prix, a demanding 88km, which took place in Hernandarias-Parana, the last Argentinean leg. 21 swimmers, local and from Macedonia, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Canada and Brazil commenced the race, five of which withdrew.

The men's event was comfortably won by Italian giant Andrea Volpini in 9:06.05, registering his first win of the year in the Grand Prix circuit. Argentina's rising talent Guillermo Bertola, only 22 year old, produced his best performance so far, claiming silver in a time of 9:11.35. The bronze that day was reserved for compatriot Luciano Sales Rubio after a 9:26.02 effort. His podium finish is a surprise, given his previous classifications in the Grand Prix this year (10th place in Race 1 and 2).

Among women, home favourite Pilar Geijo confirms her status as queen of the distance (she already won the event last year), touching first in 9:30.43 while runner-up teammate Antonella Bogarin claimed her first medal of the season, clocking 9:52.02. Her top-three finish is a nice improvement from the fifth place she took in Race 1 and 2. Spain's open water icon Esther Nunez Morera, who has already gotten used to securing top ranking, was third in 9:54.24.

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)
NEXT RACE: April 23, 2011 in Sumidero Canyon (MEX, 15km)
Race 6: June 19, 2011 in Capri-Napoli (ITA, 36km)
Race 7: 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: TBC (UAE)

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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