Leila and Sandra Pires, the new duo representing Flamengo, will face their first official challenge after their presentation at the Gávea headquarters last Wednesday.

The duo, who embarked on the morning of this Thursday (14/2) to compete in the first stage of the Banco do Brasil Beach Volleyball Circuit, in Xangri-lá (RS), will have a tough time right at the start. Both have been training since January, under the command of coach Letícia Pessoa.

The Xangri-lá stage is the first of 11 stages of the Banco do Brasil Beach Volleyball Circuit.

The red-blacks will have to face powerhouses like Juliana/Larissa (CE/PA), current three-time champions, Renata/Talita (RJ/AL), Maria Clara/Carolina (RJ).

Of the 48 pairs (24 men and 24 women) that will take to the stage this Friday, 36 (18 men and 18 women) will continue competing on Saturday (16/2). At the end of the day, after the elimination phase of the competition, the finalist pairs will be defined.

The game schedule will begin at 8 a.m. this Friday (February 15th) at the arena set up on Atlântida beach, on Avenida Central, in front of the Nayde Enerim Pereira Municipal School. Admission is free and a donation of one kilo of non-perishable food is optional.

Photo: CIAO Communication