The 59th edition of the Capri-Napoli, traditionally starting from the Le Ondine Beach Club in Capri, saw the triumph of Alessio Occhipinti. The 28-year-old swimmer from Rome claimed first place for the third time in four years (after his victories in 2020 and 2022) in the historic swimming marathon valid for the Trofeo Farmacosmo.The race was officially started by Gemma Rocchi, now considered the event’s patron, together with the official testimonial, the renowned water polo champion Amaryus Perez. An appointment that has been repeated since 1949 and that sees Le Ondine Beach Club as the preferred starting point, except for rare occasions, of a competition that has become the symbol of one of the most fascinating and demanding sporting events in the world.From the sea of Marina Grande in Capri to the Naples waterfront, for a total distance of 36 kilometers, the athletes faced more than six hours of strokes in open water, as part of the annual UltraMarathon Swim Series world circuit. Athletes, journalists, industry professionals and numerous enthusiasts crowded Le Ondine to toast the start of this exciting race in one of the island’s most evocative settings.
The competition was decided in a photo finish: Occhipinti edged out Giuseppe Ilario in a thrilling finale. Both swimmers of the Fiamme Oro team finished with the same time of 6h15’45”, while another Italian, Niccolò Ricciardi, placed third.“I am happy with the victory and with how it came about,” said Occhipinti. “With Ilario it was a head-to-head race, also favored by the good sea conditions. With this third victory at the Capri-Napoli, I rightfully enter the ranks of the multiple winners.”The victory was officially confirmed about an hour after the finish, precisely because of the need to resort to a photo finish, which awarded the win to the Roman swimmer over the 20-year-old from Naples, who had initially celebrated. “I am still happy with this result, achieved at my club,” said Ilario. “I have always dreamed of swimming the Capri-Napoli and I know I can win it. It will be for next year.”In the women’s race, second consecutive victory for Argentina’s Mayte Puca, who set her pace from the very beginning, distancing her rivals and finishing the race in under seven hours, in 6h57’. A success that confirms her dominance in the women’s competition and the timeless charm of a marathon that continues to write memorable pages of sport and passion.