Cano Open Water 2026

The approach to Lecco sets the tone for the day: the road winds along the steep mountain flanks until the view opens suddenly onto the deep, branching waters of the Lake Como. On the morning of June 13th, the lake surface is typically glassy under the influence of the Tivano, the northeasterly breeze that settles by mid-morning. By the 14:00 start time, the thermal shift often brings the Breva wind from the south, creating the characteristic lake chop that swimmers must navigate during the 2000-meter race. The course connects Lecco to Malgrate, placing athletes directly in the path of the Adda River’s outflow.

Historical landmarks on the course

As you sight your path, the skyline is dominated by the jagged, saw-toothed silhouette of the Mount Resegone, rising 1,875 meters above the eastern shore. Near the start, your focus naturally drifts to the 96-meter tall bell tower of the Basilica of San Nicolò. Locally known as the 'Matitone', this structure sits atop a 15th-century circular defensive tower, a remnant of the medieval fortifications that once guarded the harbor. The route carries you past the Azzone Visconti Bridge, a 14th-century military checkpoint built between 1336 and 1338 to control the narrow passage of the lake. Swimming near this historic stone crossing provides a visceral sense of the lake's strategic importance, especially as you pass the nearby Viscontea Island, which anchors the flow of the water as it begins its journey toward the Po Valley.

Race day logistics

Organized by the Società Canottieri Lecco, this event limits entries to a 2000-meter distance, focusing on individual pacing in an open-water environment. While the surface temperature typically sits in the low 20s by mid-June, the lake remains a deep, alpine basin with constant cold layers at depth. The organization provides comprehensive support, including safety kayaks and medical personnel positioned along the buoy line. Wetsuits are permitted, and the mandatory use of a personal safety buoy ensures visibility for all participants. For those planning a full month of swimming in the region, the 29th Traversata del Lario 2026 takes place just weeks later, offering a longer duration challenge in the same waters, while the Traversata del Lago di Pusiano 2026 provides a different technical experience on a smaller lake nearby. The race concludes with timed rankings by category, centered at the club’s historic waterfront base.