Britain's Thomas Allen, tenth in last year's race, was embroiled in a fierce battle in front of 7,000 spectators, edging out Germany's Andreas Waschburger with a time of 1 hour 51min 29sec to win the gold.

Waschburger claimed silver, completing the race in 1:51:30, with the bronze medal going to his compatriot Christian Reichert, with a time of 1:51:33.

The field of 32 men took the start yesterday, with 27 women competing for top honours.

Brazilian Poliana Okimoto led from the start to take the gold in the women's race in 2:05:88, ahead of compatriot Ana Marcela Cunha in 2:05:16 and German Angela Maurer 2:05:18.

The next meeting on the seven-race World Cup calendar is due on April 5 in Manzanillo, Mexico.

The Open Water Swimming Grand Prix's opening round was held today between Santa Fe and Coronda in Argentina.

Simone Ercoli repeated his success last year to win the Open Water Swimming Grand Prix race between Santa Fe and Coronda in Argentina ©AFP/Getty Images



The 57km Grand Prix race was won by last year's victor Simone Ercoli from Italy, in 8:19:03.

Team-mate Edoardo Stochino finished second in 8:19:06, closely followed by German Alexander Studzinski 8:19:16.

Czech Silvie Rybarova, who ranked sixth in the Grand Prix last year, was the best among women in 8:33:27.

Italy's Fabiana Lamberti picked up silver in 8:33:31, while home favourite Pilar Geijo claimed bronze in 8:33:40.

The swimmers will meet again in Argentina for race two of seven on February 9 from Hernandarias to Parana.