74th Descent of the Sella
In the 74th International Descent of the Sella (2010) we witnessed a historic victory by Walter Bouzán and Álvaro Fernández Fiuza, who ended the reign of the so-called “King of the Sella,” Julio Martínez (with 11 career wins), marking the start of a new era for the race.
It was a massive edition, with over 1,100 paddlers and nearly 700 boats representing more than 15 countries, confirming the Sella as one of the world’s most important river races.
The 19 km course between Arriondas and Ribadesella delivered a spectacular show with the river in ideal conditions after recent rains. Bouzán and Fiuza dominated from the early kilometers, setting a fierce pace that left their rivals with no chance.
A major highlight of this edition was the return of Oscar Chalupsky, the surfski legend and Sella winner 24 years earlier. He came back to race in K-2 with his 19-year-old son Luke Chalupsky, offering an emotional, generational moment that delighted the crowds.
The event preserved its tradition of color, folklore, and thousands of spectators lining the banks and riding the Fluvial Train, cementing the Sella as the ultimate celebration of Asturian and Spanish canoeing.
✅ Want to know what happened in 2011? 👉 [Click here]
tag: international descent of the river sella 2010
