61st Descent of the Sella
The 1997 International Sella Descent set a new participation record with 1,270 paddlers from 20 different countries, reinforcing its reputation as one of Europe’s most international canoe marathon events.
That year saw the debut of Bosnia-Herzegovina as a participant, highlighting the event’s growing global appeal, especially meaningful given the region’s recent turbulent history.
Among the top contenders were Jesús Martínez Villaverde and Manuel Busto—regular podium finishers; Ramón Cerra and Alberto Llera, with extensive Sella experience; the strong pairing of Ukrainian legend Alexander Shaparenko with Rafael Quevedo; and the big international question mark, South Africa’s Daniel Conrady and Moray Wilson.
The Sella River offered favorable mid-level flows that year, with stable weather and massive crowds lining bridges and riverbanks from Arriondas to Ribadesella. After a dynamic start and tactical group racing, the South African pair ultimately imposed their power and technique in the final sprint, taking the win in 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 49 seconds. It was a celebrated feat, marking the first-ever Sella victory for South Africa and underscoring the event’s truly global stature.
In the K1 category, the win went to local paddler Federico “Kiko” Vega from Cangas de Onís, cementing his reputation as one of the race’s great specialists with an outstanding display of stamina and river knowledge.
The 1997 Sella thus stands out as an especially international, thrilling edition with historic results, proving once more that the Fiesta de las Piraguas continues to evolve as a premier sporting and cultural highlight in Asturias.
👉 What happened in 1998? Click here
tag: international descent of the river sella 1997
