After a decade of trying, Petar Stoychev of Bulgaria won the first event at the European Open Water Swimming Championships. Held in Piombino, Italy, the Bulgarian star won his specialty event, the 25km, and gave a strong hint that this was perhaps his last stand on the podium in a major international competition.

“I´m very happy because this is my first european gold and it´s a pleasure to win it in Italy, where the best open swimmers are. Probably this is my last high level season.”

Arseniy Lavrentyev of Portugal who won silver said, “[The 25km] was tough but I got a perfect result. Sincerely it was difficult when we reached the girls [who were swimming along in the same course], but this medal is fantastic.”

Axel Reymond of France captured the bronze. “The race was perfectly set up by the organization. It was very tough and I´m so satisfied with the result.”

1. Petar Stoychev, 5:04:02.3
2. Arseniy Lavrentyev, 5:04:05.4
3. Axel Reymond, 5:04:06.3
4. Simone Ruffini, 5:04:24.6
5. Igor Chervynskiy, 5:04:38.7
6. Valerio Cleri, 5:06:10.6 (shown above)
7. Joanes Hedel, 5:06:12.4
8. Artem Rodyakov, 5:06:15.3
9. Marios Kalafatis, 5:06:15.9
10. Libor Smolka, 5:06:59.1
11. Shahar Resman, 5:09:26.1
12. Georgios Arniakos, 5:14:14.9
13. Evgenij Pop Acev, 5:14:16.3
14. Jan Posmourny, 5:14:22.5

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