Ocean Racing World Championships Conclude in Lanzarote: All Italian Athletes Secure Top 20 Finishes

The 2021 Ocean Racing World Championships concluded in Lanzarote, Spain, bringing together over 250 athletes vying for world titles in the SS1 Junior, U23, and Senior categories. The demanding open-water race, spanning just over 27 kilometers, commenced from La Garita beach in Haría and finished at El Reducto beach in Arrecife. South Africa emerged as the dominant force, securing multiple podium finishes and reaffirming their leadership in the discipline. Despite not winning any medals, the Italian team, composed of young and unified athletes from various flatwater and whitewater backgrounds, achieved commendable results. Guided by federal coach Mariano Bifano, the team gained valuable experience and, for the first time in the event's history, all Italian competitors successfully placed within the top 20 across their respective categories. In the SS1 Senior Men's race, Giovanni Saperdi (Shock Wave Sport) was the first Italian to cross the finish line, placing 18th with a time of 01:42:35. The category was won by South Africa's Nicolas Notten in 01:30:47. For the Under 23 category, Matteo Finizio (CC Aniene) led the Italian contingent, securing an impressive 9th position with a time of 01:43:57. Riccardo Minolli (Shock Wave Sport) also performed well, finishing 11th in 01:45:16. South Africa's Ulvard Hart claimed the gold medal in this category with a time of 01:32:08. Among the Junior competitors, Portugal's Bernardo Pereira was the fastest, completing the course in 01:34:53. The top Italian junior was Matteo Bottini, who finished 12th in 01:50:49, followed by Giacomo Dasso in 14th (01:52:06), and Matteo Muzio in 20th (01:56:04). Coach Mariano Bifano expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "I am very satisfied with the boys' races. The race conditions were truly optimal, with a constant 25 knots of wind throughout the course. The start was quite challenging, and after the first 4km, the downwind began: truly difficult but very beautiful…

[go to the magazine: federcanoa]

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