A team of ten British swimmers are set to race at the LEN Open Water Cup in Eilat, Israel this weekend, the first leg of the 2019 LEN Cup.
The event is likely to present a tough early season test for the British athletes, as many of the continents best will arrive rested and ready challenge for selection to their respective World Championships teams.
Both the Men’s and Women’s 10km races will take place on Saturday 30th March in the Red Sea resort.
Leading British open water swimmer Jack Burnell, who has already secured his spot at the FINA World Championships this summer, explained:
“Eilat provides me with a massive opportunity to race some of the top guys in Europe at the moment whilst continuing to train hard. I’m not tapering and want to push my body to the extreme so that my coach and I can see where I am as I continue my World Champs preparations.
“The goal for this race is not result focussed but how I work through my race day preparations and the different phases of the race.
“It’s great that we will be joined by some younger up and coming talent from across the UK. It’s vital for them to see and experience the dynamics of an elite level race. The LEN Cup means they are able to mix with elite open water swimmers and for them it’s about learning and familiarising themselves with the race environment.”
Team Leader, Mike Parker added:
“The group will be using the opening leg of the 2019 cup in Eilat to assess the impact of their winter training. This race also provides an excellent opportunity for younger swimmers to attend a high level competition and mix with both Britain’s and Europe’s best open water athletes.
“Both Jack [Burnell] and Danielle [Huskisson] bring a wealth of high level international experience to the squad and they will act as mentors imparting key knowledge throughout the British camp.”
Athletes racing in Eilat:
- Jack Burnell
- Leah Crisp
- Alice Dearing
- Polly Holden
- Nathan Hughes
- Danielle Huskisson
- Maisie Macartney
- Hector Pardoe
- Tobias Robinson
- Emilia Sansome