53rd Descent of the Sella
In 1989, television broadcasts firmly established the International Descent of the Sella as a major public event, drawing more spectators than ever to the riverbanks and the iconic fluvial train. The race itself was spectacular, with a record-breaking 1,080 canoes on the start line, confirming its huge popularity and prestige.
A tactical and thrilling competition
From the very start, the race split into two large groups, which stayed separated until nearly halfway. When they merged, the battle for positions intensified, and the relentless pace began to take its toll on several crews.
It was especially at the San Román Bridge where the pace caused the first decisive splits, filtering out the strongest contenders. In the final stretch, three boats remained locked in an intense fight for victory: Antonio Soto “Tom” and Rafael Hernanz “Falu”, Toribio Fernández and Román Mangas, and the duo Reynders and Watermayer.
In the decisive final meters, Soto and Hernanz launched a long, sustained sprint that dropped their rivals and secured victory with a time of 1 h 16 min 46 s—in a finish so close that just two seconds separated the winners from the third-place crew.
1989 Sella Highlights:
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Record spectator turnout thanks to live television coverage.
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Massive participation with over 1,000 canoes racing.
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Highly tactical race with two main packs and a selective break at San Román.
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Decisive final sprint by Soto and Hernanz to claim victory.
tag: international descent of the river sella 1989
