The European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup 2025 will reach its conclusion this Saturday, September 27, as the series arrives in Razanac, Croatia, for its fifth and final leg. After the drama of Barcelona, the villagel will provide a fitting setting for the season finale, with Europe’s top open water swimmers set to contest a decisive 10km race that will determine the overall champions.
In the men’s competition, the battle for the title could hardly be closer. Italy’s Fabio Dalu leads the rankings with 2050 points from four races, but his compatriot Andrea Filadelli is only 50 points behind despite having competed one race fewer. Both men will be on the start line in Ražanac, and with Belgium’s Logan Vanhuys in also lining up from fourth in the standings, the finale promises a gripping showdown between some of Europe’s most consistent performers.
Also competing will be Hungary’s David Betlehem, who took victory in last weekend’s fourth leg in Barcelona in style, and will be looking to do so again this time around.
The women’s series has been dominated by Monaco’s Lisa Pou, who has collected 2750 points across four appearances and arrives in Croatia with a commanding lead. She will be joined on the start list by Italy’s Giulia Berton, currently second overall on 1700 points, and Poland’s Klaudia Tarasiewicz, who has amassed 1600 points from only two outings and will look to take three wins from as many outings. Italy’s Iris Menchini is also in the mix, ensuring that the closing race of the season will be fiercely contested.
Ražanac itself has become a popular stop on the Cup circuit, offering not only a beautiful Adriatic backdrop but also excellent conditions for open water swimming. Athletes will take on a clockwise 10km course marked by four turn buoys, with the men’s race starting at 09:00 and the women’s five minutes later. The event will be preceded by Friday’s opening ceremony and press conference, before Saturday morning brings the decisive action.
Much more than just a sporting occasion, the Ražanac leg also reflects the commitment of the Croatian Open Water Swimming Federation, the local authorities, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, who have worked together to showcase both the sporting and cultural appeal of the Zadar region.
With prize money on offer for the top three European athletes in each race and the overall series rankings to be finalised, the stakes could not be higher. After a season that began in Cyprus and travelled through Portugal, France, and Spain, all eyes now turn to Croatia, where the champions of the 2025 European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup will finally be crowned.
Click here to access the event website.
Click here to view the “Beyond The Buoy” preview show.
Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics
