Patagones-Viedma will see around 40 swimmers (18 men, 20 women) taking the plunge in the Rio Negro waters on Saturday February 4, inaugurating the 2017 circuit of the FINA/HOSA 10KM Marathon Swimming World Cup.
Elite swimmers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Portugal, and Uruguay are registered for the men and women’s races.
Italy’s Simone Ruffini topped the men’s ranking with 94 points in 2016, while compatriot Rachele Bruni was the best among the women with 86 points. Both of them attend the inaugural leg in Viedma, ready to start the season on a high.
Other big names present in Argentina this weekend are Brazil’s Olympic bronze medallist Poliana Okimoto, Allan do Carmo and 10km World silver medallist Ana Marcela Cunha, and local star Cecilia Biagioli.
The competition includes seven meets, stretching from February to October 2017 and stopping in 4 continents.
The total prize money for the men’s and women’s Series overall winners is of USD 180’000, while USD 20’000 is on offer in Viedma.
FINA/HOSA 10km MSWC 2017 Calendar
1. Patagones-Viedma (ARG) – February 4
2. Abu Dhabi (UAE) – March 11
3. Setubal (POR) – June 24
4. Lac St Jean (CAN) – July 27
5. Lac Megantic (CAN) – August 12
6. Chun’An (CHN) – October 15
7. Hong Kong (HKG) – October 21
In parallel of this event, a mass participation race will be organised on Friday February 3. More information can be found on FINA website
In addition, the FINA Open Water Grand Prix also kicks-off this weekend with a first meet in Santa Fe Coronda (ARG) on Sunday February 5.
OW Grand Prix 2017 Calendar
1. Santa Fe Coronda (ARG) – February 5
2. Lac St Jean (CAN) – July 29
3. Ohrid Lake (MKD) – August 19
4. Capri-Napoli (ITA) – September 3