Overview
- The ACT will stage the Eusko Label (men) and Euskotren (women) season openers at the Riosequillo reservoir in Buitrago de Lozoya, a venue outside the league’s usual Cantabrian and Atlantic waters.
- Organizers will use an unconventional contrarreloj por parejas format of six largos and five ciabogas, a time‑trial pairing that changes pacing, turn work, and crew selection compared with coastal races.
- Orio arrive as the clear favorite after a dominant previous season and early wins this year, and their coach has said the crew aims to 'mark territory' from the start.
- Donostiarra, Urdaibai and Zierbena are presented as the principal challengers expected to test Orio under the reservoir’s calmer and narrower conditions.
- The Madrid opener is the first time in a decade the ACT has launched its calendar outside its traditional area, a move that could reveal which teams adapt to different water and tactical demands as the season begins.