A powerful performance by Urdaibai Bou Bizkaia in the season's first official regatta. The Bermeo-based boat clinched the Bizkaia Rowing Championship in Lekeitio, decisively outperforming its rivals.
Isuntza and Zierbena were considered the main contenders, but the Bermeo crew demonstrated clear superiority throughout the race.
Santurtzi secured fourth place, completing the Bizkaia contingent for the upcoming Euskadi championship, scheduled for next Sunday in Getaria waters.
Zierbena, last year's champion, and Urdaibai were the initial favorites. The lane draw placed them at opposite ends of the course. In the first maneuver, Urdaibai led, followed by a surprising Isuntza and Zierbena. However, on the return leg, Zierbena took the lead, gaining four seconds on its closest competitor.
Mid-regatta, with three boats within three seconds of each other, the tension was high. Yet, in the third leg, Bermeo surged ahead, effectively sealing the victory. The Bou Bizkaia gained 10 seconds on Zierbena and 12 on Isuntza. Their lead expanded to over 23 seconds by the finish line.
Isuntza and Zierbena engaged in a spectacular battle for second place, which ultimately went to the local trainera by a mere second in the final stretch, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.
On the other hand, the Ondarroa boat finished fifth, more than a minute behind the leader. In their heat, they took second place behind Santurtzi but showed promising form, clearly defeating Kaiku and Arkote.




