83rd Descent of the Sella
In 2019, the International Descent of the Sella was marked by rule changes and notable absences. The Spanish Canoeing Federation banned mixed-nationality K2 crews, excluding top-level pairs like the Asturian Milín Llamedo and Portuguese Balboa, as well as Emilio Merchán and Ramalho, both world and European champions.
These absences left the race wide open, but also caused clear discontent among many paddlers. For example, Emilio Llamedo had to find a new partner just days before the race, finally competing with Pedro Vázquez. Despite the complications, Emilio insisted on paddling the Sella, embracing it as a true “sellero”, simply to enjoy the experience.
This edition also had special meaning: it marked 50 years since the first victory by an Arriondas boat (achieved by Juan Manuel Feliz and José Luis Gutiérrez in 1969).
Fate had other plans for the locals. In a finish worthy of the Sella’s history, Emilio and Pedro used their power to win in a tight battle on the finish line, edging out Julio Martínez and Rubén González after a dramatic comeback. The K2 of world champion Hank Macgregor and Andrew Birkett also pushed hard for victory right to the end.
In K1, the race delivered another historic first: Borja Estomba and Guillermo Fidalgo shared a joint victory, marking the first-ever tie in the event’s history.
tag: international descent of the river sella 2018
