The rowing teams of Hibaika, San Juan, and Hondarribia will compete today in the qualifying race for the Bandera de La Concha. A total of nineteen teams will participate in the regatta, two fewer than last year. Seven of them will earn a place to compete in the La Concha Regatta on September 6th and 13th. However, the Arraun Lagunak team will not have to compete as they have already secured their spot.
Two teams from Oarsoaldea, Hibaika and San Juan, along with Hondarribia from Bidasoa, are considered the main favorites. The 'batelerak' (San Juan) finished third in the Euskotren Liga, and Hibaika's team was sixth. Hondarribia, on the other hand, competed in the ETE Liga this year, and after winning the league and performing exceptionally well, they have a strong chance of securing a spot, despite Zarautz being a close contender.
It would be an ideal scenario for two Oarsoaldea teams and Hondarribia to be in La Concha. For the 'Madalen' boat (San Juan), it would mark their fourteenth participation in La Concha. For the 'batelerak', it would be an opportunity to overcome last year's disappointment, as they did not qualify the previous year. Revalidating the spot secured by Hondarribia a year ago would be a great way to round off the season.
The nineteen teams will compete in the time trial divided into two groups. The first group (A) will include Hibaika, Hondarribia, San Juan, Astillero, Donostiarra, Perillo, Orio, Tolosaldea, Zarautz, and Zumaia. The second group (B) will feature Castropol, Deustu, Esteirana, Chapela, Kaiku, Lekittarra, Ondarroa, Tiran, and Amegrove.
The exact starting order can be consulted in the table below. It will be necessary to wait until the afternoon to know if the three Oarso Bidasoa boats secure their spot, but it is certain that they will fight for it.
