Star-studded field all-set for European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup Leg 4 in Barcelona

The European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup arrives in Barcelona this Saturday, 20 September, for its fourth leg of the 2025 series. After memorable races in Protaras, Setubal, and Paris, the Mediterranean city will now host a pivotal stage in a season that has already seen thrilling battles, breakthrough victories, and a tightening race at the top of the overall standings.

The Moll de Bosch I Alsina in the city’s Port Vell, will play host to the penultimate stage of the five-leg competition, with one of the most high-profile fields in recent memory taking to the pontoon ahead for four laps of the 2.5km course. The men’s race begins at midday, with the women’s race setting off ten minutes later.

There will also be a Special Olympics race taking place earlier in the day to highlight European Aquatics’ partnership with the organisation.

All five winners of the three preceding legs will be taking part in the race, as they all look to accrue those all-important points to see them at the top of the standings come the fifth and final leg in Razanac.

That sets the stage for a clash not just of race-day ambition but also of season-long strategy. In the men’s overall rankings, Sacha Velly leads the way with 1,600 points, thanks to back-to-back wins. Close behind is Italy’s Fabio Dalu on 1,550, with Filadelli in third on 1,400. Belgium’s Logan Vanhuys and Italy’s Giuseppe Ilario round out the top five, keeping the pressure on the leaders as the series enters its decisive stages.

On the women’s side, Lisa Pou sits firmly at the top of the standings with 2,050 points after her consistent run of second, first, and first across the opening three legs. Italy’s Giulia Berton holds second on 1,300, with compatriot Iris Menchini in third on 1,150. Behind them, Turkey’s 15-year-old prodigy Su Inal sits fourth, while the trio of Tarasiewicz, Jouisse, and Linda Caponi are tied in the chasing pack, each with 800 points and very much in the hunt.

The race in Barcelona therefore carries double weight: not only the glory of winning one of the sport’s iconic stops but also the chance to shape the overall Cup battle before the season finale in Croatia.

Click here to catch up on all the action on European Aquatics’ “Beyond The Buoy” YouTube show.

Click here for the full start list and results.

Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics

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