72nd Sella Descent
A total of 963 paddlers and nearly 690 boats from 19 countries took part, confirming the Sella International Descent as one of summer’s most thrilling and international canoe events in Asturias.
This year was expected to be closely contested, but Julio Martínez and Javier Hernanz dominated with a historic win, breaking the event record with 1h 6min 15s, beating a 20-year-old mark.
While the portage didn’t decide the win, it helped lower the final time. Emilio Merchán and Álvaro Fernández Fiuza finished second, nearly two minutes behind, with Manuel Busto and Emilio Llamedo taking third after a tight sprint.
In K1, José Julián Becerro won convincingly ahead of Walter Bouzán and Kiko Vega. With this victory and new record, Julio Martínez cements his legend as the undisputed king of the Sella, boasting 10 wins and an unrivaled track record.
tag: international descent of the river sella 2008
