Swimmers fight off cold at the Big Neva Cup in St. Petersburg
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Over 200 swimmers from 16 countries competed for the Big Neva Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia, on March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

Over 200 swimmers from 16 countries competed for the Big Neva Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia, on March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

St. Petersburg in winter is especially beautiful in early March when the days become longer, but 40-centimeter thick ice still covers the Neva River. For winter swimming enthusiasts, it’s the best time and location to sum up their training season. /VCG Photo

St. Petersburg in winter is especially beautiful in early March when the days become longer, but 40-centimeter thick ice still covers the Neva River. For winter swimming enthusiasts, it’s the best time and location to sum up their training season. /VCG Photo

The Neva flows through the city of St. Petersburg and is an essential part of the city’s charm. /VCG Photo

The Neva flows through the city of St. Petersburg and is an essential part of the city’s charm. /VCG Photo