Dario Verani surged through in the last 10 metres to clinch his second straight win and Klaudia Tarasiewicz broke clear in the final stages to win their respective 10k races at the Razanac stop of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup 2026.
However, there was controversy in both races where Hungarian pair David Betlehem and Bettina Fabian were disqualified with the latter attributing the issue to the misplacement of the sponsor company’s logo on the cap before rebuking the continental governing body, saying: “Shame on you, European Aquatics.”
According to the Hungarian federation, they were both DQd after their races after wearing an incorrect cap. Swimming World has contacted European Aquatics about the official reason for the DQs.
Verani had not led outright at any checkpoint throughout the course, sitting as low as 13th after the first lap before working his way steadily through the field. He was up to fourth with just one lap remaining, then found another gear entirely on the run to the wall, catching and passing Mexico’s Paolo Strehlke Delgado on the touch to win in 1:52:19.51, just 0.14 seconds clear.
As Strehlke Delgado was competing as an external entry, silver went to Andrea Filadelli in 1:52:24.92, who edged out Estonia’s Jaan Pasko in 1:52:27.96 to match his bronze in Tenero last time out. Poland’s Bartosz Kapala, who took silver in Switzerland, rounded out the top five this time around.
Victory puts Verani firmly in charge ahead of the Barcelona finale next weekend, where the overall series champions will be decided.
“I’m very happy for this start of the season. Today was a very tough race and I’m happy about my shape and my strategy,” Verani told European Aquatics. “It was a fast race, especially in the last lap, because David and Paolo tried to push, so they did a very good job. I did a very good race and I’m happy about this. I’m happy to compete with these athletes in this condition, because today the conditions were very beautiful – the water was totally flat and the temperature wasn’t too cold. It was perfect for swimming.
“My strategy was to reserve energy for the last part, because that’s the most important part, and I did it, so I’m happy. This is a very good start to the season. These results are very important because I’m in good shape, so I’m happy about this. I’ll try to do my best and we’ll see in Barcelona.”
Tarasiewicz Edges Ahead After Season Finale
Having led from the first checkpoint before briefly slipping to fourth at the halfway mark, Tarasiewicz found her rhythm again to reclaim the front and hold on for the win in 2:02.26.23.
Germany’s Fabienne Wenske pushed her closest, finishing just 2.75 seconds back to claim silver, with compatriot Julia Ackermann taking bronze a further 1.43 seconds behind. Finland’s Louna Kasvio, the winner in Tenero, had to settle for fourth this time, 8.57 seconds off the pace.
The result means Tarasiewicz now holds a narrow advantage over Kasvio heading into Barcelona.
“This race was very interesting for me – quite a slow pace to begin with. I saved energy for the last lap, which is why I had so much energy for the finish. I think it was a good tactic and I really enjoyed the race,” said Tarasiewicz. “I remember that last year we had slightly different athletes here, so the race looked different too, but it was still very fast. It’s really good to enjoy this weather and this city – I really like this place, so I’m excited to be here again.”
Fabian Rebukes European Aquatics
Olympic bronze medallist Betlehem and four-time world open water medallist Fabian were both DQd with both swimmer making no attempt to hide their confusion and displeasure.
Fabian posted at length on social media, stating she wasn’t informed of any issue with her cap when she registered ahead of the race. She went on to take her place among the field and was completely oblivious to the fact she was DQd on the third lap and instead went on to touch the board second in the belief she’d taken the silver medal.
A protest was lodged but rejected on the basis that she hadn’t worn the correct cap which had been given to her – something which she refuted.
“Athletes deserve fairness. Athletes deserve accountability. And athletes deserve the truth. I know exactly what happened at that registration and I will stand by it.
“Shame on you, European Aquatics.”