The German open water team led by Olympic champion Florian Wellbrock shone at the start of the World Cup in Egypt. Wellbrock prevailed over the Olympic ten kilometers in a tight final ahead of Frenchman Marc-Antoine Olivier.
The 25-year-old finished in Soma Bay after 1:52:53.20 and just a tenth of a second ahead of Olivier. Third was his compatriot Logan Fontaine. As the second best German, Oliver Klemet took eighth place.
In the subsequent women’s race, Leonie Beck swam well. The 25-year-old won in 2:04:04.60 hours ahead of Dutch Olympic silver medalist Sharon van Rouwendaal and Olympic champion Ana Marcela Cunha from Brazil. Jeanette Spiwoks was seventh, Celine Rieder eighth.
For the swimmers it is about the second German starting place for women and men for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in July. Wellbrock and Beck are already set. The other places will be given to those who are best among the competitors in the first two World Cups. The next World Cup will take place on May 20th and 21st in Sardinia.