Lightweight Women's Single Sculls (LW1x) - Final

After setting a World Best Time earlier in this regatta, all eyes were on Zoe McBride of New Zealand 1. McBride set the time during yesterday’s semifinals to make her the favourite for today. But despite taking off at a 48 stroke rate pace, it was 2011 World Champion, Fabiana Beltrame of Brazil that had the lead. McBride could not hold on to Beltrame’s pace as the Brazilian moved away to an open water lead. Could Beltrame maintain this pace?

At the half way point McBride was out stroking Beltrame, but Beltrame still had the lead. Then Beltrame began to feel the burn. With every stroke McBride was chipping away at Beltrame’s lead and the Brazilian could do nothing about it. In a beautifully timed race, McBride, the Under-23 Champion in the lightweight double, crossed the line first and punched the air in delight. Beltrame held on to second with Germany’s Judith Anlauf not far behind in third.

Results: NZL, BRA, GER, NZL, CHN1, DEN

Zoe McBride – NZL – gold

“I wanted to row my race, be focused on my boat and control the race. It is my first elite season and I am learning a lot. The other competitors are very experienced, it’s good to learn from them.”

Fabiana Beltrame – BRA – silver

“It was a really tough race. My start was quick. I knew that Zoe was fast, but I was able to keep up the speed and she passed ahead. It is a beautiful venue here in Varese. Right now I am training for the Pan American Games and for Aiguebelette.”

Judith Anlauf – GER – bronze

“I knew that I had some chances, but I also could have been fifth. I had a good burst of speed in the middle and I was able to keep that until the finish line. I have a good chance to stay in the single and hopefully by Lucerne there will be a final decision on that. It would be OK to be in the quad as well, but at the moment the single is really fun.”

B-final

Joanna Dorociak of Poland 1 had a slight edge at the start, but only slight over Federica Cesarini of Italy 2. These two boats went neck and neck through the middle of the race with Jing Liu of China 2 joining in the battle for the lead. Liu recorded a time of 7:39 in yesterday’s semifinal, but despite this fast time it was not enough to get her into the A-final. Today Liu showed her second 1000 speed by pushing into the lead and moving away from the field. Liu finished first.

Results: CHN2, POL1, ITA2, AUT, ARG, LAT