Grand Prix CusioCup 2026

Lake Orta in June offers a reliable, low-energy environment for open water swimmers. The basin is sheltered by surrounding hills, which keeps surface conditions mostly flat and predictable for the duration of the event. You will find the water comfortable enough for a swim in a standard racing suit, though most participants favor a thin thermal layer to maintain core temperature during the longer 6000m effort. The start at the Pettenasco public beach allows for a clean entry into the water, away from the complex currents found in larger nearby alpine basins. Swimmers looking to build mileage in the region often combine this event with the longer schedule at Da Riva A Riva held later in the summer.

Historical markers in the water

As you navigate the 1500m circuit, the architecture of the shoreline tells a distinct story. To the southeast, the Moorish-inspired profile of Villa Crespi rises above the trees, its minaret-like tower serving as a fixed visual guide that remains visible from most points on the course. The lake’s history is rooted in the early Christian presence of Saint Julius of Novara, who is said to have reached the central island by crossing the water on his own cloak. This same island, now a serene landmark, served as a military anchor in 962 when Queen Willa held the fortress against a two-month siege by Otto II. Passing these points, you are swimming through the same channels that once saw the island described as an 'inexpugnabile municipium' by medieval chroniclers.

Race day logistics

The Grand Prix CusioCup features a range of distances from a 750m sprint to the 6km main event, with registration fees scaling from 10€ for shorter individual entries up to 85€ for combined-distance packages. The logistics are managed to keep the central lake traffic clear, as the course relies on a closed circuit that avoids the main transit routes. You will receive a timing chip and a specific event cap at the Pettenasco beach starting at 7:30, with the first wave pushing off at 9:30 to maximize the window of calm morning air. While the tilting bell tower of Carcegna stands as a local curiosity on the hills above, your focus remains on the buoys marking the 1.5km loops. The organization reserves the right to adjust the field if safety conditions dictate, ensuring that the rhythm of the race remains fluid throughout the day.