Brazil's Cunha wins FINA Marathon 10K Title in Cancun

FINA 10km MARATHON SWIMMING WORLD CUP 2012

Cunha (BRA) and Lurz (GER) dominate in Cancun race (MEX)

Lausanne (SUI), April 25, 2012 - 83 marathon swimmers (33 women and 50 men) took the departure in Cancun (MEX) on April 24 for the fourth stage of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2012.

Among the men’s tough competitive field, “sprint” (5km) distance ace Thomas Lurz (GER) won the race in a time of 1h57m16s51. The 2011 World Cup winner faced pressure at the finish from reigning 10km World champion Spyridon Gianniotis (GRE), who touched home four hundredths of a second later, at 2h57m16s55. The Greek was closely followed by Nicola Bolzonello (ITA, second in Santos), who finished third in 2h57m16s56. Olympic champion in the 1500m freestyle Oussama Mellouli (TUN) made his first appearance in a FINA-sanctioned open water event, taking 11th.

The women’s race also featured an experienced field of open water swimmers with 25km World champion Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA, third in Santos and first in Eilat) taking out the event in 2h09m14s78. Consistent performer Angela Maurer (GER, second in Santos and Eilat) powered home to take second in a time of 2h09m16s22 while Martina Grimaldi (ITA, first in Santos and third in Eilat) claimed third spot, clocking 2h09m19s04.

The 2012 FINA 10K circuit now takes a 3-month break before its next race, which will happen July 26 in Lac St-Jean in Canada.

FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2012 calendar:

Race 1: January 29 in Santos (BRA)
Race 2: February 4 in Viedma (ARG)
Race 3: April 1 in Eilat (ISR)
Race 4: April 24 in Cancun (MEX)
NEXT RACE: July 26 in Lac St-Jean (CAN)
Race 6: August 11 in Lac Megantic (CAN)
Race 7: October 7 in Hong Kong (HKG)
Race 8: October 14 in Shantou (CHN)

The race also served in Canada's trials for the Olympic 10K selection race. Qualifying following yesterday's race to swim at the races in June in Portugal were Nadine Williams and Xavier Desharnais. They join the already-qualified Richard Weinberger and Zsofia Balazs.