The Spanish traineras championship offered no surprises, with Orio confirming its status as the main favorite and fulfilling predictions. In the five regattas held in recent weeks – three official championships and the flags of Mutriku and Lekeitio – the Orio crew secured all the wins. Although the competition was close with Donostiarra in the Gipuzkoa and Euskadi championships, in Meira-Moaña, Orio established a twelve-second lead over the second-placed team and eighteen seconds over the third, Zierbena, in calm waters without waves.
As of today, Orio has demonstrated a level above all other traineras. Iker Zabaleta has maintained the core of the squad that won almost every race last year and has strengthened the team. The previous season, Gorka Aranberri and his teammates set a new record in the Eusko Label Liga, winning sixteen out of twenty races. They only lost four flags: one in the third race in Donostia, another in the fifth against Zierbena in the time trial held in Pasaia, again against Zierbena in the tenth, and finally, in Getaria.
Given Iker Zabaleta's winning mentality, it's clear that Orio's main objective this year is to win every single race. Although it is difficult to emerge victorious in every competition due to numerous factors (mistakes, weather changes, etc.), Orio appears to be close to achieving this goal, provided circumstances do not change. In the 2026 Eusko Label Liga, all rowing teams will be required to include at least five youth rowers in every race, a new rule that will impact the performance of some teams, but it is unlikely to affect Orio.
Zierbena was the sole representative from Biscay in the Spanish championship, finishing third, 18 seconds behind the winner. This year's Zierbena does not seem to be the same team that achieved three victories in the Eusko Label Liga last year. In the previous Spanish championship, the team led by Dani Pérez finished second behind Orio, by only five seconds.
While Orio is the clear favorite to win the Eusko Label Liga, it remains uncertain what will happen at the bottom of the standings. Significant parity is anticipated, and among the teams battling to stay in the top division will be Ares and Chapela. Both competed in the Spanish championship but did not display a high level of performance. Ares won the consolation race, and Chapela finished second to last.
