Italy and Argentina were the two big winners at the two inaugural legs of the FINA UltraMarathon Swim Series 2019 that were hosted in Santa Fe and Rosario, Argentina, on February 3 and February 9 respectively.
Italy clearly dominated the first leg in Santa Fe as Francesco Ghettini and Barbara Pozzobon claimed gold in the 15km race, clocking times of 3h19m00s68 and 3h20m41s96 respectively. The men’s silver and bronze medals were also secured by Italian swimmers with Simone Ercoli (3h19m01s79) and Edoardo Stochino (3h19m03s94).
Argentina’s Pilar Geijo (3h26m55s85) and Romina Soledad Imwinkelriedt (3h30m51s43) stepped on the second and third steps of the podium in Sante Fe.
In Rosario, the host nation stood out, adding five medals out of six to their tally. The men’s podium was a 100% Argentinian with Ivo Cassini (2h32m04s00), Guillermo Bertola (2h32m05s00) and Joaquin Moreno (2h32m10s00).
Cecilia Biagioli and Julia Lucila Arino (ARG) clinched the gold and bronze at stake in 2h33m10s00 and 2h36m47s00 respectively, while Santa Fe winner Barbara Pozzobon managed to secure the second position in 2h37m04s00.
Results in Santa Fe (15km)
Men: 1. Francesco Ghettini (ITA) 3h19m00s68; 2. Simone Ercoli (ITA) 3h19m01s79; 3. Edoardo Stochino (ITA) 3h19m03s94
Women: 1. Barbara Pozzobon (ITA) 3h20m41s96; 2. Pilar Geijo (ARG) 3h26m55s85; 3. Romina Soledad Imwinkelriedt (ARG) 3h30m51s43
Men: 1. Ivo Cassini (ARG) 2h32m04s00; 2. Guillermo Bertola (ARG) 2h32m05s00; 3. Joaquin Moreno (ARG) 2h32m10s00
Women: 1.Cecilia Biagioli (ARG) 2h33m10s00; 2. Barbara Pozzobon (ITA) 2h36m47s00; 3. Julia Lucila Arino (ARG) 2h37m04s00
Same distance, 47 minutes difference