Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls (BLW2x) – Final

Results from yesterday’s semifinals indicated that Italy’s Allegra Francalacci and Federica Cesarini would be the crew to beat. But Romania had recorded the fastest time in the heats. These two crews sat next to each other in the middle lanes for this final, meeting for the first time.  Francalacci and Cesarini made an early push to get their nose in front at the first 500m marker. Greece and Romania followed very closely. Italy was still rating 38 after 500m with Greece’s Thomais Emmanouilidou and Maria Pergouli on 37. Romania’s Ionela-Livia Lehaci and Gianina-Elena Beleaga also chose a 37 stroke rate pace.

By the middle of the race Italy had managed to break away with Romania the closest challenger and Greece in third. These three boats had now move away from the rest of the field and could now almost guarantee that a medal would be theirs. The colour, however, still had to be decided and Romania was unrelenting on the Italians. Romania went to 38 with Italy trying to hold them off by taking their stroke rate to 37. Romania did another push. Italy went to 39 to match the Romanian’s at 37. Lehaci and Beleaga had done it.

Results: ROU, ITA, GRE, GER, ESP, CAN

Gianina-Elena Beleaga (s), Romania, gold
“The race was exactly how we expected it to go. We were behind the first 1000m, but we did not lose our faith. It was one of the best races we’ve had so far. It’s just another step in training for Sarasota.”

Federica Cesarini (s), Italy, silver
“I am very happy as the Romanians went to the Olympics and we’ve had two weeks together. The race was very hard. We’re both going to Sarasota and looking forward to it.”

Thomais Emmanouilidou (b), Greece, bronze
“We did not follow our race plan, but we had some very good calls. We are very pleased with the result and we look forward to Sarasota.”

B-final

Norway had the fastest time coming through from yesterday’s semifinals, but they came out at the back of the field with France in the lead. France had a handy margin at the half way point as Anna Piveteau and Marion Colard continued to lead. Norway was now in second. France held off the closing charge.

Results: FRA, NOR, CHI, JPN, USA, POL