The SUP Suisse Tour came to a close with the superb Swiss championships held in Richterswil on the shores of Lake Zurich. The Swiss elite, as well as occasional rowers and children, were able to challenge themselves on courses designed for all levels. Anna Tschirky completed a hat-trick of victories in the women’s event, while Olivier Comazzi and Nathan Denis shared victory in the men’s tables.
Text: Pauline Katz
Despite the somewhat capricious weather, almost a hundred rowers gathered on the shores of Lake Zurich on September 24. The event was well worth a few drops of water, as the titles of Swiss champions were to be awarded in all three stand-up disciplines (long distance, technical and sprint). As usual, SUP Suisse and the Wassersportverein Richterswil club jointly organized a great event with races for all levels and ages.
No sleeping in for endurance enthusiasts, as the long-distance race and its twelve-kilometer course awaited the elite class in the early hours of the morning. Anna Tschirky and Olivier Comazzi managed to keep their efforts in check, and came out on top. The participants then had a refreshment break, before moving on to the 100-meter sprint event in the early afternoon. Youth shone through in this event, with Anna Tschirky and Nathan Denis storming to victory. To round off the day and keep the few remaining muscles strong, the technical race, with its 3.5-kilometer course, awaited the elite class. First places once again went to Anna and Olivier, who had already won the distance race in the morning.
For your pleasure
As SUP Suisse’s aim is to bring the sport to as many people as possible, two races for occasional rowers were also on the program. The first, the Rivella Refresh, was a two-kilometer race that was 100% fun. The aim was to have a laugh, so wacky outfits and rowing techniques were welcome. The second race was six kilometers long and gave intermediate rowers a chance to try their hand at a longer course without the stress of ranking.
And for tomorrow’s champions, the 500-meter SIC Kids (U12) and the two-kilometer Fanatic Juniors (U16) were on the program. Concentrated faces, but with big smiles on their faces, were the faces we saw at the start. Victory went to Sannia Woloschanowski in the SIC Kids, while Nina Roth and James Aubert were the big boys.
These Swiss championships were the final event of the SUP Suisse Tour, comprising a total of six stages. Overall victory went to Yvi Mahoney and Olivier Comazzi. In the junior category, Elvis MĂŒller and Nina Roth won the tour.
If the SUP Suisse Tour adventure appeals to you, the 2023 calendar will be published by the end of the year.
Further information â www.supsuisse.ch