58th Descent of the Sella
dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 58th International Descent of the Sella, held in 1994, marked a key moment in modernizing the event with the introduction of mechanical starting gates (“cepos”). These devices held the paddle to prevent early starts, ensuring greater fairness and safety. Their selection followed real-world testing on the Sella Bridge in Arriondas, chosen for its reliability and effectiveness.
Sportingly, the Portuguese arrived as favorites after strong previous performances. However, the surprise came from the Spanish duo Luis Medrano and Juan Carlos López Villalobos from Palencia, who delivered a flawless race to claim victory in 1h 13min 31sec—proving that in the Sella, nothing is guaranteed.
In K1, victory went to Eduardo González Alonso, known as “Lalo” from Grado, finishing ahead of Luis Antonio Prieto “Huco” from Arriondas and Andrés Cangas Soto from Ribadesella.
The 1994 Sella Descent showcased a commitment to safety, equal starts, and fierce competition, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s premier river canoe marathons.
tag: international descent of the river sella 1994
