82nd Descent of the Sella
This time, the legendary K2 pair Walter Bouzán and Álvaro Fernández Fiuza did not compete together, and the Spanish Canoeing Federation also banned mixed-nationality crews.
That decision ruled out some top-tier K2 teams, including the Asturian Milín Llamedo with the Portuguese Balboa, and the duo of Emilio Merchán and Ramalho. These absences left the 2018 International Descent of the Sella wide open—and the discontent among many paddlers was palpable.
For example, Emilio Llamedo had to switch partners at the last minute, teaming up with Pedro Vázquez just days before the Sella race. But Emilio was determined to paddle regardless, because he’s a true “sellero” at heart—no pressure, just the love of the river.
This year also marked the 50th anniversary of the first ever victory by a canoe from Arriondas. Back then, Juan Manuel Feliz and José Luis Gutiérrez wrote their names into Sella history.
Fate can be surprising—and in Arriondas, where the Sella is almost a religion for young paddlers, the race demanded a result worthy of that legacy.
Emilio and Pedro delivered a spectacular performance, overpowering Julio Martínez and Rubén González right on the finish line after an incredible comeback. Their sprint also denied victory to the K2 of World Champion Hank Macgregor from South Africa and his partner Andrew Birkett, who had fought for the win from the very start.
In K1, there was another first for Sella history: a shared victory. Borja Estomba and Guillermo Fidalgo crossed the finish line together to jointly claim the top spot in the 2018 International Descent of the Sella.
tag: international descent of the river sella 2018
