Italy’s Dario Verani produced a stunning finish to claim his second victory in as many legs at the Razanac stop of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup 2026, powering through the final ten metres to touch ahead of Mexico’s Paolo Strehlke Delgado, who had led for the majority of the race as an external entry.
Verani had not led outright at any checkpoint throughout the 10km course, sitting as low as 13th after the first lap before working his way steadily through the field. He was up to fourth with just one lap remaining, then found another gear entirely on the run to the wall, catching and passing Strehlke Delgado right on the touch to win in 1:52:19.51, just 0.14 seconds clear.
As Strehlke Delgado was competing as an external entry, the medals went to the next two finishers. Andrea Filadelli claimed silver in 1:52:24.92, edging out Estonia’s Jaan Pasko, who took bronze in 1:52:27.96 after a consistent showing throughout, doubling up with his third-place medal from Tenero. Poland’s Bartosz Kapala, who took silver in Switzerland, rounded out the top five this time around.
The win is Verani’s second in succession following his victory in Tenero, and it puts him firmly in charge ahead of the Barcelona finale next weekend, where the overall series champions will be decided.
“I’m very happy for this start of the season. Today was a very tough race and I’m happy about my shape and my strategy,” said Verani when speaking to European Aquatics following the race.
“It was a fast race, especially in the last lap, because David and Paolo tried to push, so they did a very good job. I did a very good race and I’m happy about this. I’m happy to compete with these athletes in this condition, because today the conditions were very beautiful – the water was totally flat and the temperature wasn’t too cold. It was perfect for swimming.
“My strategy was to reserve energy for the last part, because that’s the most important part, and I did it, so I’m happy. This is a very good start to the season. These results are very important because I’m in good shape, so I’m happy about this. I’ll try to do my best and we’ll see in Barcelona.”
In the women’s race, Poland’s Klaudia Tarasiewicz got the better of the field with a perfectly timed finish, breaking clear over the closing stages to win in 2:02:26.23. Having led from the first checkpoint before briefly slipping to fourth at the halfway mark, Tarasiewicz found her rhythm again to reclaim the front and hold on for the win, repeating her success at the same venue in last year’s Open Water Swimming Cup.
Germany’s Fabienne Wenske pushed her closest, finishing just 2.75 seconds back to claim silver, with compatriot Julia Ackermann taking bronze a further 1.43 seconds behind. Finland’s Louna Kasvio, the winner in Tenero, had to settle for fourth this time, 8.57 seconds off the pace.
The result means Tarasiewicz now holds a narrow advantage over Kasvio heading into the series finale, with the pair set to renew their rivalry in Barcelona next weekend as the overall title is decided.
“This race was very interesting for me – quite a slow pace to begin with. I saved energy for the last lap, which is why I had so much energy for the finish. I think it was a good tactic and I really enjoyed the race,” said Tarasiewicz.
“I remember that last year we had slightly different athletes here, so the race looked different too, but it was still very fast. It’s really good to enjoy this weather and this city – I really like this place, so I’m excited to be here again.”
Hungary’s David Betlehem and Bettina Fabian were both disqualified from the race for wearing non-compliant swimming caps, with their appeals against the decision subsequently rejected by the Jury of Appeal on both procedural and merits grounds.
Click here for the full results from the competition.
Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics
