59th Descent of the Sella
The 1995 International Descent of the Sella is remembered as one of the most emotional and poignant editions in its history. That year, Asturias’s great canoeing festival was in mourning for the passing of its founder and spiritual father, Dionisio de la Huerta, who died on April 4, 1995. At the starting ceremony in Arriondas, Herminio Menéndez read the traditional Sella verses alongside a recording of Dionisio’s own voice, creating a deeply moving tribute that resonated with everyone present.
Despite the sadness, the sporting competition was of the highest level. The highlight was the long-awaited victory of the Portuguese pair, João Gomes and José Silva, world marathon champions, who finally claimed victory on the Sella with a time of 1h 12 min 56 sec. It was a historic win for Portugal, cementing their international prestige in the event.
In K1, victory went to a true legend of world canoeing: Alexander Shaparenko, the Ukrainian paddler with 6 world titles and 3 Olympic medals. His participation and win added even more international prestige and quality to the 1995 edition.
The 1995 Sella Descent was a year of tribute, memory, and deep emotion—showing that beyond the race itself, the Sella is about tradition, culture, and a passion for canoeing.
What happened in 1996? Click here
tag: international descent of the river sella 1995
