Stoychev (BUL) and Volpini (ITA) broke from this group and swam strategically sharing the lead for a further 90 minutes before being caught by Bertola (ARG) and Biagioli (ARG). Bertola lead for a long period until six hours into the race when Biagioli staked her claim, with Bertola, Volpini and Stoychev close behind.

In the later stages, Valenti (ITA) caught the group through swimming a direct line through a bend rather than following the current of the river. The five swam a close race, with the lead changing several times.

Bertola sought advantage by swimming his own line on occasion, however the group reformed as they progressed down the river. In a sprint to the finish, Stoychev again proved victorious to gain his sixth title in this race followed a body length behind by Volpini and Valenti. Biagioli closely followed the men into the finish with a long gap to the second and third women Geijo (ARG) and Nunez (ESP).

(Courtesy of John West)