- The new Olympic cycle 2025-2026 begins at Valencia’s Pechina Sports Training Center (CeTDV) on September 10.
- 25 sailors with international potential form the new SOMVELA team, covering classes ILCA 6, ILCA 7, iQFOiL, Formula Kite, and 49er.
- Valencia reinstated as the training base for the ILCA 6 class, strengthening the city’s role in elite sailing.
- A specialized technical group launched for young talents in ILCA 7 and iQFOiL with a progressive training methodology.
- Collaboration reinforced with the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation alongside regional government support.
- The Marina Port Valencia transformation project will boost nautical sports, including adaptive sailing and other water sports federations.
Valencia Kicks Off New Olympic Cycle at Pechina Sports training Center with 25 Emerging Sailing Stars
Starting September 10, the Centro de Tecnificación Deportiva “Pechina” (CeTDV) in Valencia enters a new season filled with hope and ambition. Led by the Federació de Vela de la Comunitat Valenciana (FVCV), the center is launching the SOMVELA 2025-2026 team program, comprising 25 highly promising sailors with international potential.
A New Era for Sailing in Valencia: Key Developments
This new cycle brings exciting changes and strategic moves that underscore Valencia’s growing importance in high-performance sailing:
- Valencia Reaffirms its Role: The city returns as the official base for the ILCA 6 training class, consolidating its position as a top-tier training hub.
- Focus on Youth Growth: A specialized technical group for emerging talents in ILCA 7 and iQFOiL has been created. Athletes will benefit from a block-based methodology aimed at integrating them progressively into Olympic classes.
- Strong Institutional Support: Collaborative ties with the Royal Spanish sailing Federation and local authorities like the Generalitat Valenciana and Valencia Sports Foundation bolster the center’s high-performance structure.
Meet the SOMVELA 2025-2026 Team: Talents to Watch
| Class | Sailors (Selected) |
|---|---|
| ILCA 6 (Women) | Lara Sabina Himmes,Claudia Adán,adriana Castro,Irene de Tomás,Marina Serrano,blanca Ferrando,Marta Ferrando,Sheila Martínez,Ascensión Roca de Togores,Clara Sophie García |
| ILCA 7 (Men) | gonzalo Suárez,Adolfo Virgili Pascual,Leo Griñán,David Palacios,Javier Casalins,Guillermo Suárez,Carlos Espí Blat |
| Formula Kite | Alejandro Climent,Jacobo Espí,Mateo Codoñer,leonard Collado |
| iQFOiL | Martina Mantovani,Gonzalo Ruiz,Jorge Mompalmer |
| 49er | Antonio Torrado |
Comprehensive High-Performance Support System
Located at Marina Port Valencia,the Pechina center is a recognized regional training ground for athletes with national and international goals. Under the direction of José Manuel Liceras and Lucía Reyes, the technical team offers an integrated approach that includes:
- physical preparation tailored to sailing demands
- Sports medicine and injury prevention
- Nutrition guidance for peak athletes
- Psychological support to maintain competitive edge
Strong Institutional Backing for Sporting Excellence
The ongoing success of this program relies heavily on vital support from the Generalitat Valenciana’s Directorate General of Sports and the Valencia Municipal Sports Foundation. Their contributions ensure the availability of high-level technical resources and help maintain the continuity of a training model focused on elite performance.
Despite the temporary provisional nature of the Federation’s current facility location, which could impact key activities, FVCV remains committed to advancing both grassroots and high-performance sailing projects.
The Future of Nautical Sports at the Transformed Marina Port Valencia
The broader marina Port Valencia transformation project aims to revitalize the North, South, and City marinas, turning the area into a flagship nautical, tourist, and urban destination. This redevelopment is set to boost the profile of water sports nationally and internationally.
In addition to sailing, the revitalized marina will host federations connected to the sea including adaptive sailing, canoeing, rowing, and lifesaving sports, enhancing Valencia’s reputation as a hub for maritime sports activities.
Why This Matters
For sailing enthusiasts and sports lovers in the Valencian Community and beyond, this initiative is a beacon of hope and progress. It demonstrates a well-rounded strategy combining talent development, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure enhancement to place Valencia firmly on the global sailing map in the approaching Olympic cycles.
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