Villajoyosa Hosts Ocean Racing Europeans: Italy's Young Squad Gains Vital Experience

The 2018 Ocean Racing European Championships recently concluded in Villajoyosa, Spain, featuring over 180 athletes from ten European nations. While the Italian 'Azzurri' squad didn't secure any medals, they achieved commendable placements and gained invaluable experience, marking a significant step in their development. The challenging 20-kilometer race from Villajoyosa to Altea saw France and Spain dominate the podiums across the SS1 Junior, U23, and Senior categories. Italy's young and cohesive team, comprising athletes from diverse flatwater and whitewater paddling disciplines, was guided by federal coach Mariano Bifano, focusing on personal growth and team unity. **Key Italian Performances:** * **Junior Women (SS1):** Zoe Faiman (MM Nazario Sauro) finished 7th with a time of 2h02'51", closely followed by Chiara Agostinetti (Unione Canottieri Livornesi) in 8th. France's Anouk Strohmann claimed gold. * **Junior Men (SS1):** Whitewater specialist Francesco Ciotoli (Shock Wave Sport) delivered Italy's best individual result, placing 5th with a time of 1h34'55". Spain's Jorge Erriquez Gutierrez won this category. * **U23 Men:** Niccolò Razeto (CC Nervi) was the top Italian, finishing 9th in 1h33'44". France swept the podium with Noe Pelizza, Hector Henot, and Pierre Villela. Martin Beherens (ASD Remiera Peschiera) and Giovanni Saperdi (Shock Wave Sport) placed 15th and 16th. * **U23 Women:** Susanna Cicali (Fiamme Azzurre) finished 8th in 1h45'34", with Gaia Piazza (CKC Sestese) following in 14th. * **Senior Men:** Coach Mariano Bifano was the highest-ranked Italian, finishing 22nd in 1h33'54". Spain's Esteban Medina Ojeda won the category in 1h25'37", with Germany's Gordan Harbrecht taking silver and France's David Szlatcha bronze. Upon returning, Coach Mariano Bifano expressed satisfaction: "Despite not winning any medals, this splendid adventure has concluded. The athletes showed a great desire to learn and discover this new discipline. The course was very…

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