The collective efforts of the team of Lea Boy, Leonie Martens, Oliver Klemet, and Florian Wellbrock secured the final gold medal on offer in Somabay, with Hungary and Spain rounding out the podium.

The result meant that the winners in Somabay in 2026 matched the winners in 2025, something which German coach Bernd Berkhahn said feels ‘unbelievable’.

Speaking on the performances this weekend, he said: “It was impressive.The race from Florian and from Mo [Moesha] was unbelievable. It was a really nice finish in the relay too, it was great.”

In typical relay event fashion, the race was an exciting one to watch; with four different teams leading at various points. It was lead-off swimmers Maria De Valdes (Spain), Bettina Fabian (Hungary), and Boy (Germany) who came in together after the first lap, touching in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position, respectively.

Despite starting the second lap together, Angela Martinez Guillen carved out a significant gap on the second lap for her team; leading by roughly 25 metres heading into the third lap.

Speaking on her efforts, Guillen said: “We had a plan and I tried to go as fast as I can. I felt good and I recovered well from yesterday.” In doing so she set up Spanish teammate Mateo Garcia, who maintained Spain’s lead over the race until the final lap; at which point, Wellbrock and Betlehem came charging.

Wellbrock and Betlehem Battle for the Win

The Hungarian and German gave us a battle to remember on the final lap. Wellbrock edged into first and looked controlled but visibly working hard, while Betleham was right on his heels.

Speaking after the race, Wellbrock - who won the Men’s 10km yesterday - said 

“It was a crazy race today. I was prepared mentally for this situation [racing Betlehem] because I know Hungary is always strong."
By Florian Wellbrock

“He's fast, we have similar 1500 PBs, but I tried everything to protect my position. He started like two or three attacks on me on the way back, but I was so happy that I am in the shape to defend my position.

“We had a really good sprint to the touch pad. I think for all visitors it was so nice to follow us.”

Wellbrock has a perfect record in Egypt, winning six gold medals in his six races to date. His teammate, Leonie Martens - who is more traditionally a pool swimmer -  enjoyed her first World Cup this weekend.

Speaking after the race, she said: 

“It was an incredible event and it’s [racing] a good challenge for me. In the pool, everyone has their own race, their own lane. And here we are all together. I loved racing here in the sea. It couldn’t be better.”
By Leonie Martens

Betlehem Sprints Hungary to Silver

The Hungarian team of Bettina Fabian, Napsugar Nagy, Hunor Kovacs-Seres, David Betlehem powered their way to silver, finishing just two seconds off the winners.

Having worked to gain territory lost to Spain in the earlier laps, it was up to Betlehem to carry the team home. “It was tough, it was very fast. At one point, I felt like we were maybe head-to-head, but it was a bit choppy so I didn't have that much speed difference so I couldn't swim next to him.

“But I'm very happy with my podium, and that we are able to get close to Florian!

“It's always the last [swimmer] who decides the medals or the places. So it's always harder, but I love it. But I need to learn how to handle it and how to race in the end so I can win it for the team and for me.”