Host German enjoyed a successful day on the fifth stop of the LEN Open Water Cup with their anthem played twice, following 10km victories for Linus Schwedler and Jeannette Spiwoks.

1500m European champion Mykhailo Romanchuk was the highest profile swimmer in the men’s field, but in challenging conditions it was 17-year-old Linus Schwedler who sprinted to victory, in two hours 11 minutes and 17.78 seconds ahead of the Ukranian (2:11:19.70).

Schwedler used the event as his final preparation competition ahead of the World Open Water Junior Championships in the Seychelles next month.

“I feel a little sorry for Mischa,” admitted Schwedler. “He did the work for seven laps, then I just took over what he had started. I thought to myself in the final sprint, when if not now it should happen.”

Romanchuk added; “It was difficult with my technique and water position in these waves, but I am not dissatisfied with my final race of the season.”

Third place went to Andrea Filadelli from Italy (2:11:57.74).

Shortly afterwards for the men finished the fastest woman of the day, Jeannette Spiwoks, powered to victory in 2:26:41.35.

Second when to Lara Seifert (2:28:41.84) and Marlene Blanke (2:28:46.41) to complete a German clean-sweep of the podium places in the women’s 10km event.

For Spiwoks it was her second triumph at a LEN Open Water Cup event after her win in Barcelona (ESP) in 2021.

“I really liked the conditions, there were high waves, but I knew I could win it and I’m very happy,” said Spiwoks.

Leg 6 of the LEN Open Water Cup Leg 6 will take place in Barcelona on 24 September.