Kirill Ambrosimov from Russia and Ana Marcela Cunha from Brazil were the winners of the seventh race of the FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2019 in Ohrid, MKD. In the men’s race, the expected winner Razovszky missed the podium, while Ambrosimov surprised the whole field by taking an early lead, which he no longer gave up. 

The Russian could hardly comment – no more than “Oh, I’m so happy” -, because he had gone very fast in the final phase to keep the upcoming Axel Reymond behind him. The French swimmer came very close thanks to a smart maneuver inside. 


The men's podium

The time difference was only 0.1 of a second.

Kristov Rasovszky (HUN) swam for a long time in second position, but was still passed by Reymond and the Italian Furlan. "I am not really disappointed”, he said. “With two races to go, I am sure of the final victory. In the last few weeks, I have never trained more than six kilometres per day.” 

The Hungarian won the last three races of the Swim Series in Balaton (HUN), St-Jean and Megantic (both in Canada). 

Local star Pop Acev could not impress after he was successful at the LEN Cup, a week before. But he and the Macedonian Federation were happy organising their home event, because this is very important for their young country. And where else could you have a competition in such nice surroundings: calm and clean water, where wetsuits are not needed. Yes, in Ohrid, North Macedonia, where hospitality and kindness are written with capital letters.


The women's podium

The women’s race had only six participants and, as expected, the victory went to Ana Marcela Cunha. The Brazilian favourite triumphed this year in Doha, Setubal, Balaton and now for the fourth time in Ohrid. She missed the Canadian legs, because she competed at the Pan-American Games in Lima, in early August.  

About her race, she said: “I like to win, but it I am not satisfied the way it went. Especially the starting pace was too slow. I couldn’t find the right rhythm.” 

Rachele Bruni (ITA, second) consolidated her first place in the provisional ranking before Cunha and the other Italian Arianna Bridi (third in Ohrid). 

The Series will conclude with the next two races in Chinese Taipei (TPE), on September 7, and Chun’An (CHN), on September 29.

Medallists in Ohrid (MKD):

Men: 1. Kirill Ambrosimov (RUS), 2h00m21s8s; 2. Axel Reymond (FRA), 2h00m21s9; 3. Matteo Furlan (ITA), 2h00m23s3 

Women: 1. Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA), 2h11m38s4; 2. Rachele Bruni (ITA), 2h11m40s9; 3. Arianna Bridi (ITA), 2h11m41s3