The Enbata boat from Zarautz has secured victory in the first round of the ETE League. The crew triumphed in the time trial held in the Cantabrian town of Astillero, with a narrow margin of just one second and 30 hundredths over Hondarribia, after a comeback in the second leg.
These two boats are considered the main contenders for the top two positions in the category, and both confirmed expectations in the competition's debut. The vessels started with a one-minute interval between each. Enbata, the reigning ETE League champion, was the first crew to set off, followed by Ama Guadalupekoa, which was relegated from the Euskotren League last year. The crew, now directed by Osertz Alday, had shown superiority over other boats in the category during preseason, but had to settle for second place. Based on the inaugural regatta, it appears both boats will provide a compelling rivalry this season.
Hondarribia improved Zarautz's time by a single second at the race's only turn (5:59-6:00), but the crew led by Juanjo Etxarte managed to overcome the Bidasoa team's advantage in the second leg.
The third position went to Kaiku (11:21.21), and Deusto completed the honor row. Hernani secured seventh place. La Maialen finished just 79 hundredths behind Isuntza. The last position was taken by Portugalete, which also received a time penalty for a poor start.
Standings:
1. Zarautz: 11:18.34
2. Hondarribia: 11:19.64
3. Kaiku: 11:21.21
4. Deusto: 11:31.63
5. Ondarroa: 11:35.22
6. Isuntza: 11:42.20
7. Hernani: 11:42.99
8. Portugalete: 12:41.69
1. Zarautz: 11:18.34
2. Hondarribia: 11:19.64
3. Kaiku: 11:21.21
4. Deusto: 11:31.63
5. Ondarroa: 11:35.22
6. Isuntza: 11:42.20
7. Hernani: 11:42.99
8. Portugalete: 12:41.69
This Sunday, in Pasaia, the second round of the ETE League will take place (11:20 AM). The rowing teams will compete for the Hernani Trophy in a line race where each boat must complete two turns and three legs.
