Peter Stoychev (Bulgaria) and Britta Kamrau-Corestein (Germany) won the fourth stage of the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix 2009 series, held at the Sumidero Canyon in the Grijalva River in Mexico on April 18. Stoychev set a new record for the 15km route with 3h 09m 49s.
The men’s race saw Stoychev, Diego Nogueira (Spain), Ivan Lopez (Mexico) and Michael Dimitriev (Israel) in leading positions.
Kamrau-Corestein won in 3h 24m 25s. There was also a duel among the ladies for first place, but Angela Maurer (GER) was relegated to second, with Daniela Inacio (Portugal) third.
After the competition, Stoychev said: “I didn’t, at any time, feel under pressure… but as the swim progressed I made my best effort to be able to deliver my final attack.” He explained “the effort made in the skills of open water is quite exhausting; you must have a physical and spiritual strength to succeed.”
Swimmers from 11 different nations raced on the Grijalva River, which, with its many greenish-blue hues, contributes to the distinctive natural beauty of the Canyon and its unique geological formations. Sumidero is considered an ecological reserve in Mexico and in the world.
Medallists
Men
1. Peter Stoychev (BUL) 3h 09m 49s
2. Diego Nogueira (ESP) 3h 09m 51s
3. Iván López (MEX) 3h 09m 53s
Women
1. Britta Kamrau (GER) 3h 24m 25s
2. Angela Maurer (GER) 3h 24m 26s
3. Daniela Inacio (POR) 3h 24m 32s
With credit to Steven Munatones and www.10Kswimmer.com.