Lightweight Men's Single Sculls (LM1x) - Final

Ukraine came flying out at the start, but it was Pierre Houin of France that got to the first 500m mark in the lead. Houin, the 21-year-old who raced at the under-23 level last year, then got half a boat length lead with Zak Lee-Green of Great Britain following in second with Slovakia’s Lukas Babac right on Lee-Green’s tail. Lee-Green then looked as though the conditions were getting the better of him and Slovenia’s Rajko Hrvat moved into second with the very experienced Babac also overtaking Lee-Green. Could Houin hold them off?

In the final sprint Houin showed that he’d raced his own race and he now can add a European title to his international medal collection. Houin has become an athlete to keep an eye on. Meanwhile Babac, who won the first World Rowing Cup of the season earlier this month in Bled, pushed through to take second ahead of Hrvat. 

Results: FRA, SVK, SLO, GBR, BUL, UKR

Pierre Houin (FRA) – Gold

It’s magical to be European Champion. I’ve thought it could happen for a while, but when you cross the line, suddenly it’s real. I wanted to be in front at 500metres to go as I knew I had a better sprint than the others.

Lukas Babac (SVK) – Silver

These championships are not bad for me. I really wanted to win, but I didn’t feel good in the first thousand metres, I had a good second half of the race.

Rajko Hrvat (SLO) – Bronze

This event is very well organised and there is a really tough field. I didn’t expect to win a medal, so it’s great.

B-final 

From start to finish Panagiotis Magdanis of Greece kept his boat in front. Magdanis had won his repechage two days ago before missing out on the A-final by being fourth in his semifinal. 

Results: GRE, POL, HUN, RUS, NOR, POR