The rowers from Orsa Hondarribia are already on their way to the Riosequillo reservoir in Buitrago del Lozoya (Madrid), where they will train this afternoon to familiarize themselves with the unique race course for their Euskolabel league 2026 season debut this Sunday. They will start at 12:15 PM, one hour after the Liga Euskotren begins (11:20 AM).
This Sunday's regatta will not be a standard one. Due to the characteristics of the Madrid reservoir, which is shallow, it cannot be raced over four lengths. Therefore, the ACT has devised an innovative format: there will be three heats with four boats each, but they will start in pairs with a one-minute difference. They will cover the usual distance (5.556 meters), but in six lengths and five turns, which will influence the teams' initial strategies.
The boats will start in reverse order of last season's classification. Thus, Orbañanos' team will face Getaria in the second heat around 12:45 PM, which will also include San Juan and Lekitarra. In the first heat, Chapela-Santurtzi and Ares-Ondarroa will compete (in pairs), while the honor heat will feature Urdaibai-Donostiarra and Orio-Zierbena.
Based on preseason performance, Orio is expected to be the team to beat, having won the Gipuzkoa, Euskadi, and Spanish championships.
Based on preseason performance, it appears Orio will once again be the team to beat, having secured victories in the Gipuzkoa, Euskadi, and Spain championships. Ama Guadalupekoa, on the other hand, approaches the opening day with the motivation to improve upon last season's results.
In addition to the usual fan zone on race day, this Sunday the Plaza del Castillo in Buitrago del Lozoya will host numerous gastronomic and cultural offerings from 10:00 AM until midnight. In the morning, the market will open with typical products from the Madrid region, alongside traditional dances and tastings of local foods. In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of the town's wall, followed by a magic show and a performance by the band La Mirada to conclude the day before Sunday's sporting event.
