Castro Urdiales, Spain – Orio delivered a commanding performance at the first winter test regatta of the 2026 arraunlari (traditional Basque rowing) season on Sunday, March 1, 2026, leaving rivals Zierbena and Urdaibai in their wake. The victory underscores Orio’s continued strength following a dominant summer campaign and suggests they are well-positioned to contend for top honors again this year.
The ‘San Nikolas’ crew completed the time trial in an impressive 19 minutes and 49.06 seconds, the only boat to break the 27-minute barrier. This early-season triumph provides a significant boost as teams prepare for the upcoming Eusko Label Liga. The regatta, held in Castro Urdiales, served as a crucial opportunity for teams to assess their lineups and gauge their progress during the off-season.
Orio’s performance wasn’t simply a matter of speed; it was a demonstration of strategic execution. Whereas Zierbena initially held a two-second lead after the first of two ciabogas (turning buoys) on the triangular course, Orio steadily closed the gap, gaining a crucial second in the second maneuver. This ability to adjust and improve throughout the race highlights the effectiveness of the adjustments made by coach Iker Zabala.
Zierbena finished second, nearly seven seconds behind Orio with a time of 19 minutes and 59.96 seconds, while Urdaibai trailed further back at 20 minutes and 22.02 seconds. The gap between Orio and their competitors suggests the team has successfully built upon the foundation laid during their successful 2025 season. For those unfamiliar with arraunlari, the sport demands incredible synchronization and endurance from its rowers, making even small improvements in technique and teamwork critical.
Adding to Orio’s strong showing, their ‘B’ team secured a fourth-place finish, besting several established teams from the Eusko Label Liga, including Santurtzi, San Juan, and Lekittarra. This depth within the Orio squad demonstrates a robust training program and a wealth of talent, providing valuable competition within the team and bolstering their overall performance potential.
The women’s competition saw Astillero dominate, winning by a substantial 24-second margin over Kaiku. Ondarroa finished third, well behind the leading two crews. In the veterans’ race, Getxo took the top spot, followed by Mundaka A and Mundaka B. The Memorial Paco Fenosa, held concurrently in Galicia, saw Chapela emerge victorious, ahead of Ares and Tirán.
The technical staff at Orio have been focused on refining the crew’s performance, and the results from this test regatta suggest those efforts are paying off. Coach Zabala’s adjustments to the lineup appear to be yielding positive results, as the team demonstrated a clear improvement throughout the race. The ability to consistently perform at a high level, even during the early stages of the season, is a hallmark of a championship-caliber team.
Looking ahead, the Liga Eusko Label 2025 will continue with the XVI Ikurriña de Getaria–GP Ameztoi on Sunday. This regatta will provide another opportunity for teams to test their mettle and refine their strategies as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Orio’s strong start to the season has undoubtedly established them as a team to watch, and their performance in Getaria will be closely scrutinized by rivals and fans alike.
The success of Orio isn’t just about individual talent; it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team, from the rowers to the coaches and support staff. The arraunlari community in Gipuzkoa and beyond will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Orio’s quest for continued success.
Results from the XLI Bandera de Ondarroa–GP Cikauto (August 23, 2025):
- Orio – 19:49.06
- Zierbena – 19:59.96
- Donostiarra – 20:06.54
- Getaria – 20:15.72
- Urdaibai – 20:22.02
- Hondarribia – 20:28.10
The next competitive action for Orio will be at the XVI Ikurriña de Getaria–GP Ameztoi. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Eusko Label Liga and all the latest developments in the world of arraunlari. Share your thoughts on Orio’s dominant performance in the comments below!
