European Aquatics President Antonio Silva has showcased this year’s Open Water Cup event in his introduction to the information bulletin for the opening leg in Protaras, Cyprus on May 3.
Describing the European Aquatics Open Water Cup as “a highlight of the marathon swimming calendar”, Silva looked forward to the series starting in the “beautiful setting” of Protaras before focusing on the four “stunning” venues that will offer “diverse and challenging conditions for Europe’s top athletes.”
The second leg will take place in the Portuguese city of Setubal on June 22.
Paris will host the third leg on July 26, and the series will continue in Barcelona on September 20 before concluding in Razanac, Croatia on September 27 – creating what Silva describes as “a fascinating finale with two rounds in as many weeks.”
Silva added: “The European Aquatics Open Water Cup is renowned for testing the resilience and skills of athletes in natural water environments, such as seas and lakes, where competitors must contend with varying temperatures, currents, and weather conditions across the 10km race.
“I would like to send a warm thank you to my friend Alexandros Christoforou, President of the Cyprus Swimming Federation whose team is working closely with partners at the Paralimni Deryneia Municipality to ensure that our athletes have the right facilities to be able to perform at the highest level, as well as enjoy typical Cypriot hospitality.”
This will be the second time an event in the Open Water Cup has been held in Cyprus.
The competition will consist of six laps around the resort’s celebrated Fig Tree Bay.
Christoforou commented: “On behalf of the Cyprus Swimming Federation, it is my great pleasure to welcome the most talented open water swimmers of Europe to the first leg of the 2025 European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup.
“I want to express our deepest gratitude to European Aquatics for entrusting us with the organisation of this great event, as well as to the Paralimni – Deryneia Municipality, our co-hosts, for their huge support.”
He describes Protaras, as “one of Europe’s favourite tourist destinations, best known for its golden sand beaches and idyllic crystal clear waters.”
In 2024 the overall men’s and women’s titles were won respectively by Italy’s Andrea Filadelli and Ines Delacroix of France following five intense stages.
The 2025 edition will once again feature athletes vying for top honours in each leg while accumulating points toward the overall championship. The competition’s scoring system rewards consistency across stages, ensuring that every race counts toward the final standings.
You can read the information bulletin here