FINA 10K Marathon Swimming World Cup, Santos: Thomas Lurz, Cecilia Biagoli Win

MAJALAH AKUATIK INDONESIA-LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 18. 92 open water swimmers (43 women and 49 men) took the departure in Santos (BRA) on April 17 for a 2-hour effort at the opening leg of the 2011 FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup.

Europe dominated the operations in the men's race, with "sprint" (5km) distance ace Thomas Lurz (GER) powering home and racing for the win in 2h06m05s and closely followed by consistent performer Spyridon Gianniotis from Greece, who clocked 2h06m08s. Spain's Francisco Jose Hervas was pleased to take the bronze in this difficult World Cup leg (2h06m13s), where 23 swimmers crossed the finish line within the same second. The race finished at the podium's door for home favourite Allan Do Carmo.

In the women's race, things were not as close, with Argentina's 26-year-old Cecilia Biagoli winning in convincing fashion with a time of 2h12m33s. Two other South Americans occupied the remaining podium spots: 2009 World Cup champion Poliana Okimoto (BRA) delighted the local fans with the second place (2h13m07s) while newcomer Andreina Pinto (VEN) obtained her first podium appearance in a FINA competition, touching the wall at 2h13m09s. 2010 World Cup winner Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) and veteran swimmer Angela Maurer (GER) placed fifth and sixth, respectively, while long-distance specialist Pilar Geijo (ARG) finished a disappointing 18th. 

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)
Race 4: 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)

Sumber:swimmingworld