51st Descent of the Sella
The 51st edition of the International Descent of the Sella, held in 1987, is remembered as the Year of Television, since for the first time the event was broadcast live, bringing the Sella race into thousands of homes and drawing more and more visitors year after year. That first live broadcast helped cement the Descent as one of Asturias’ major cultural and sporting events.
A presidential baptism on the Sella
A historic anecdote from this edition was the “Sella baptism” of the President of the Principality of Asturias, who paddled the route in a canoe accompanied by Juan Miguel Feliz, winner of the Sella in 1968. This gesture underscored the strong bond between Asturias’ institutions and the race, reinforcing its cultural and tourism significance.
A thrilling race and an epic duel
On the sporting side, 1987 delivered one of the most memorable editions of the race, thanks to a spectacular showdown between the Chalupsky brothers —competing then under the German flag— and the Asturian duo of Antonio Soto “Tom” and Rafael Hernanz “Falu”.
The battle wasn’t decided until the final stretch of the classic 20 km course from Arriondas to Ribadesella, with a dramatic sprint finish that thrilled thousands of spectators lining the riverbanks and watching on television. Soto and Hernanz ultimately claimed victory with an official time of 1 h 16 min 02 s, bringing glory back to Cangas de Onís, which proudly celebrated another local win on the Sella.
Why the 1987 Sella is remembered:
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First-ever live television broadcast.
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Media boost that expanded its audience and tourism appeal.
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Legendary duel between Chalupsky vs. Soto-Hernanz.
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Official participation with the Asturian President’s Sella baptism.
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Local victory reinforcing the tradition and passion of riverside towns.
tag: international descent of the river sella 1987
