Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x) - Final

Germany’s Moritz Moos and Jason Osborne got away very quickly. This duo loves to rate high through the race and it looked like they were using this tactic today. But just before the 500m mark the 2013 World Champions, Norway got into the lead. Are Strandli and Kristoffer Brun of Norway have been regulars on the medals podium since their 2013 win and they have their eyes firmly set on the Rio Olympics. Now Ireland began to move. Gary and Paul O’Donovan of Ireland finished second at last month’s World Rowing Cup in Varese and having already qualified their boat for Rio they also have their eyes set on the Olympics.

Coming through the second half of the race Norway led over Ireland with Germany desperately trying to hold on.  Then Ireland upped their stroke rate to 37 and overtook Strandli and Brun. Moos and Osborne, now on 39, were pushing hard. The O’Donovans had done it. Ireland had become the new European Champions.

Results: IRL, GER, NOR, POL, BEL, NED

B-final

Switzerland took over from Ukraine’s early lead and in the third 500 the Swiss boat managed to break away. Ukraine held on to second but was under threat from Portuguese Olympians. Portugal then managed to push ahead and get into second and also close on Switzerland. Portugal will go on to try and qualify later this month at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta.

Results: SUI, POR, UKR, AUT, ESP, CZE

Gary O’Donovan (b) – Ireland – Gold 
“We came fifth last year and to become European Champions this year is fantastic. We trained together with the Germans in Seville. It is cool to beat your friends and it is even better to be on the podium with them.”

Moritz Moos (b) – Germany – Silver
“We are very proud. It is just great. We were really surprised to pass the Norwegians in the sprint and to beat them.”

Are Strandli (s) – Norway – Bronze
“Everything went according to plan until 1800 metres, then we caught a crab and we couldn’t find the speed anymore. It’s better to do it now than in Rio.”