The sea is a call to which it is impossible not to listen. Especially when, as in the case of Sardinia, one grew up in close contact with a suggestive and intriguing reality. A reality that will be the protagonist, on 20 and 21 May in Golfo Aranci, of the second stage of the World Cup in open water organized by the Aquatic Team Freedom and the Sardinian committee, a historic moment not only for island swimming but for the whole Italian swimming given that, for the first time, the event will land in Italy. The positive notes certainly do not end here: in fact, it will be the most attended stage in the history of the event with 156 athletes - including 88 men and 68 women - representing 27 national teams involved in the 10 km race and the 4x1500 medley relay . Furthermore, in these two days, it will also be possible to compete in the mile and three-kilometer test and another 110 swimmers are also expected among the athletes of the regional youth teams and the Masters sector. « We are very motivated as well as excited», commented Silvia Fioravanti, 49 years old president of the Aquatic Team Freedom. « This event is a springboard for the whole movement, there will also be two flagships of Sardinian swimming such as Fabio Dalu and Marcello Gudi so we are even more proud». Pride, faith in the future and determination: these are the guidelines to follow as underlined by Danilo Russu, 51, president of Fin Sardegna. « We must treasure these two days: it is a fundamental moment for the history of Sardinian swimming».
Russu let's analyze the parterre where there is no shortage of excellent names: who are the favourites?
« Definitely the Olympic champion Gregorio Paltrinieri but also watch out for Domenico Acerenza as well as the German Florian Wellbrock and the Ukrainian Mychajlo Romančuk. It will be a race of high technical content where there will be twists and turns».
Where will you compete?
« The start and finish are scheduled on the jetty of the Golfo Aranci seafront, a village reserved for athletes will be set up and the public will be able to observe the races in a special grandstand. Six laps of about 1660 meters each will be held, the panorama is very suggestive and fascinating, for example you pass in the MuMart or the underwater museum of Golfo Aranci with works by internationally renowned artists. In short, in addition to the excellent level, it will also be possible to enjoy an enchanting scenery».
