Javier Hernanz claims his Regional Winter Championship in Asturias (Spain)

Javier López (left) and Javier Hernanz (right). Photo: Anselmo Bernal

Although we have to wait to Seville to see a new duel Llamedo - Hernanz, we could assist to a nice spectacle at the always colourful Asturias Winter Championship, held last Sunday at Trasona Dam. It somewhat reduced version of the championship, as bad weather forecast made the organization cancel all the races scheduled on Saturday, including all the U14 categories, Masters races and the 2,000 meters qualifiers for U16, juniors, U23 and seniors.


So, on Sunday, only the 5,000 races were held the main categories. After the youngsters, canoes and women competitions were disputed, with victory in women for the U23 Ana Martínez Sanjurjo (Real Grupo Cultura Covadonga) and C1 to David Fernández Marqués (Club de Mar de Avilés), which were indeed the main favorites in both disciplines.

Then came the highlight of the K1 senior men with Javier Hernanz (RGCC) as the paddler to beat. Despite having a bad start, he was slowly coming back and at the end of the first lap he was already in the leading group. From there he set a very fast pace and since mid-race only Javier López (Club de Mar) was able to follow him. Once consolidated the advantage over the large chase group, both were relieving until a final sprint where Hernanz put on play his sprint skills to become Champion of Asturias, while Javier López took a well-deserved silver medal.

Behind, Alejandro García (Gorilas de Candás), Rafael Carril (Oviedo Kayak) and Guillermo Pérez (Cuervos de Pravia) had led the pace in a group where also were, among others, Luis Amado Pérez (SCD Ribadesella), Alvaro F. Fiuza (Oviedo Kayak) and Borja Prieto (RGCC). Finally, on the last lap, Prieto and Fiuza fell back from the bunch and the other four components fought for the bronze medal, which finally went to Guillermo Pérez, who is having a great start to the season. Again Rafael Carril had to settle for fourth place, missing the podium by just one second.

At this link you can see all the championship results.