18th Descent of the Sella
In 1954, the Sella was unstoppable: newspapers offered growing coverage, and more spectators arrived from many parts of the world, confirming its international appeal.
That year, the official colors were established for what would become the Sella flag, arranged in horizontal bands:
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🟨 Yellow for the previous year’s overall winner
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🟩 Green for the previous year’s team champion
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⚪️ White for all foreign teams
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🔵 Blue for all national teams
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🔴 Red for all Asturian teams
Festive innovations included flower necklaces and the traditional montera hat, adding to the event’s unique atmosphere.
A total of 76 canoes competed, with a new classification rule: anyone not finishing within 30 minutes of the winner would not be officially classified.
The winners were local paddlers Antonio and Maximino Cuesta, finishing in 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 55 seconds, further cementing Ribadesella’s place in the Sella’s history.
tag: international descent of the river sella 1954
