The Spanish town Sitges, about 30 km from Barcelona, was host town of the final race of the aquabike season 2022 in Europe. 32 aquabike athletes finished what was not only the last but also one of the most demanding aquabike races of the season.

The 100% Half Stiges middle distance race consisted of a 1,9 km swim in the Mediterranean sea, followed by a 90 km bike course with more than 1.000 metres elevation gain – most of which in the first half of the race. So this was certainly a race for the good cyclists.

Toni MANZANEQUE GUITART was the first athlete to come out of the water. Quite a big group of athletes started the bike leg about three minutes later. Including two pretty strong cyclists. So the race for the win unfolded between Alex PLA LORENTE and Ignacio DE LA IGLESIA with Alex having the better end, crossing the finishline 33 seconds ahead of Ignacio, while fast swimmer Toni had to settle for third.

In the women´s race Neus VIDAL PUCHADES showed a strong performance, taking a clear win ahead of Paqui MIRANDA MEDINA, with Judith LLUENT VALLET completing the podium.

But there is another athlete who we certainly have to mention. 64 year old Ángel FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ finished in 16^th place, showing a remarkable performance – once again, we should add. Because Ángel finished his 7^th middle distance race this season. Besides two long distance races. Racing a total distance of 980,5 km he was by far the most active aquabike athlete of the 2022 race season in Europe. Chapeau Ángel!

While the race in Stiges was the last aquabike race in Europe this season, another season highlight for some aquabike athletes is yet to come. On the 26^th of November we will have the first ever Aquabike Standard Distance World Championships, taking place in Abu Dhabi. The start list for the race is out already and there are certainly some interesting names on it. Watch this space for a detailed race preview of the last big race of the aquabike season!