The international finswimming calendar will reach one of its major highlights this April as athletes and teams from across the globe converge on Aix-en-Provence for a prestigious World Cup round organized under the authority of CMAS and hosted by the FFESSM. Scheduled from 24 to 26 April 2026, the competition promises three days of high-level racing in one of southern Europe’s most historic sporting settings.
A historic setting for international competition
Located in southern France, the host city combines cultural heritage with strong sporting infrastructure. Known for its artistic legacy and proximity to the iconic Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the city has long been associated with creativity, landscape beauty, and major international events. Its accessibility—close to major highways, high-speed rail, and Marseille Provence Airport—makes it a practical meeting point for global delegations.
Aix-en-Provence: Host City and Venue
Aix-en-Provence, located in the south of France near Marseille, has become a dynamic hub for competitive aquatic sport and cultural tourism. The selection of Aix-en-Provence as the host for a World Cup round underscores France’s growing profile in the finswimming community and offers an attractive setting for international athletes and spectators alike.
All races will take place at Piscine Yves Blanc, a modern 50-metre indoor facility equipped with eight lanes and seating for up to 1,000 spectators. With a water temperature maintained at 27°C and full athlete support services, the venue is designed to meet international standards for elite finswimming performance.
Race programme across age categories
The event features a comprehensive schedule covering senior and junior divisions for both men and women. Athletes will compete across multiple finswimming disciplines, including:
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Surface races from sprint to long distance (50 to 1500 metres)
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Apnea sprint events
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Immersion races
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Bi-fins races across several distances
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Team relays, including mixed events
The competition structure allows individual swimmers, clubs, and national teams to accumulate points toward overall rankings, while countries will also be classified based on combined national performance.
Regulations, safety, and fairness
Participation is restricted to licensed competitors, with strict adherence to international rules governing equipment, safety standards, and race procedures. Technical officials are authorized to inspect gear at any time, and anti-doping controls will be conducted according to international sporting regulations.
Schedule and logistics
Delegations are expected to arrive on 23 April, with racing spread over three full competition days before departure on 27 April. Medal ceremonies will be integrated throughout the programme, ensuring immediate recognition of podium performances.
Entry requirements and deadlines
Teams must complete registration through the official federation portal, with several administrative deadlines in March and early April covering preliminary entry, fee payment, and final delegation lists. Entry fees apply per athlete, event, and relay, alongside standard World Cup participation charges.
With a full competitive programme, strict international governance, and a renowned venue, the 2026 World Cup round in Aix-en-Provence is set to be a key benchmark event in the global finswimming season—offering athletes a crucial opportunity to test performance, accumulate ranking points, and compete on one of the sport’s most established international stages.
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