Efe.- The prestigious Spanish swimmer David Meca is the guest star at the thirteenth edition of the Lanzarote-La Graciosa swimming crossing, which will be held next Saturday.
The Councilor for Youth and Sports of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Francisca Toledo, and the president of the Real Club Victoria, Eugenio del Toro, presented this event yesterday at a press conference, at the headquarters of the historic club from Gran Canaria, located on Las Canteras Beach.
Along with Toledo and Del Toro were Francisco Bello, vice president of the Canary Islands Swimming Federation and director of La Travesía, Carmelo Rodríguez and Blas González, directors of the Real Club Victoria and the swimmer from Gran Canaria Alberto Jorge, champion of the Canary Islands Triathlon and second classified last year.
Meca -Catalan swimmer who has had another magical year with a world title, victory in different challenges and staying only 15 minutes away from the record of the mythical crossing to the English Channel- will be once again in this race.
David Meca was also the winner of the last edition and has participated in several.
The crossing will begin around 1:00 p.m., depending on sea and wind conditions, and will start from the "Bajo Risco" beach, to the finish line in La Caleta del Sebo (La Graciosa). A nautical route of a total of 2.6 kilometers, with an estimated duration of 25, 35 and 60 minutes, depending on the age and abilities of the participants.
Since the first edition in 1993 with fifty swimmers, the registration has increased year after year, and last year the figure of four hundred was repeated -380 finished-. At the moment, there are three hundred applicants to compete on this occasion.
In the turn of interventions, both Del Toro and Bello, placed special emphasis on the support for this test that began in a "very modest" way and is already moving firmly towards its international character. Both representatives thanked the Cabildo of Lanzarote, various institutions and private companies for their support, which guarantee the success of its development each year.
For her part, Francisca Toledo, congratulated the Real Club Victoria for "the tenacity and renewed support each year", which has allowed the competition to never stop being held, "raising the category and prestige" inside and far from the Canary Islands, and assured that the Cabildo of Lanzarote will continue to "bet strongly" on its development and promotion.
Alberto Jorge, a 29-year-old swimmer from Gran Canaria, had words of praise for the organization and recalled that he has participated in several editions.
"I was about to beat Meca. But, above all, it is a test -due to its conditions and quality- of the best in the world. I encourage everyone who can to participate, since we swim in transparent waters and in a framework difficult to forget."
A popular meal on Saturday afternoon, with the presentation of prizes and trophies, will put an end to an edition that is once again presented with great attractions and they only hope that the weather will be good, since last year, the strong wind forced to shorten the route for security measures.
The registration period ends today, it can be done at the Lanzarote Sports City, and any information can be obtained by calling 928 810367, or at www.lanzarotedeportes.com.
