50th Descent of the Sella
The year 1986 marked a historic milestone for the International Descent of the Sella: it was the celebration of its Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 editions of this iconic Asturian river race. The event confirmed its international prestige with 1,200 paddlers from multiple countries taking on the 20 km course between Arriondas and Ribadesella.
Competition was fierce, with the top Asturian teams including Monotos and Polledo, Misioné and Villar, and A. Soto and R. Hernanz. But the biggest threat came from overseas: the South African brothers Herman and Oscar Chalupsky, renowned worldwide for their mastery in surfski and marathon kayaking.
Monotos and Polledo set the pace and led the race solidly up to Triongo, but a particularly dry section of the river forced them to relinquish the lead. The Chalupsky brothers capitalized on this, demonstrating their skill and endurance. They ultimately claimed victory in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 10 seconds, underlining the global appeal and level of the event.
A memorable anecdote from this edition: immediately after crossing the finish line, the Chalupsky brothers ran to a payphone to call their father back in South Africa, proudly sharing their victory. It was an emotional moment, as their father himself had won the Sella in 1969, making it a true family legacy.
The 50th International Descent of the Sella wasn’t just a sporting contest—it was a celebration of tradition, community, and Asturian pride. Thousands of spectators crowded the riverbanks, proving once again that the Sella is much more than a race: it’s a cultural event filled with passion and history.
tag: international descent of the river sella 1986
