While some of the world’s top swimmers were dashing across the San Francisco Bay at the Tiburon Mile, many others faced off in the 7th FINA open water world cup in China.
The men’s race was won by Thomas Lurz of Germany – who is coming off his gold medal performance in the 25K in Barcelona. Lurz (1:46:56.54) touched out Allan Do Carmo of Brazil who took the silver (1:46:57.30) and Romain Beraud of France who was third (1:46:58.03). In typical open water fashion it was a tightly bunched men’s field with the top 10 finishers all within 10 seconds of the leader.
In the women’s race it was 2013 10K world champion Poliana Okimoto taking top honors (1:52:51.48). USA’s Emily Brunemann was second (1:52:52.41) and Ana Marcela Cunha third (1:52.54.36). Team USA went on to hold 3 stops in the top 10 as Christine Jennings (1:52.55.98) was 5th and Tristan Baxter placed 8th (1:53:05.14).
This win for Lurz keeps him in command of the overall world cup lead going into the final stop this weekend in Hong Kong. Emily Brunemann has the women’s series title lead after 7 races. You can find results and ranking on the FINA Open Water event page.