Men’s Double Sculls (BM2x) – Final

At the start it was Great Britain’s Angus Groom and Jack Beaumont were in the lead with Lithuania surprisingly at the back of the field. The British remained in the lead through the middle of the race with France now pressuring them hard. Groom and Beaumont held on. This was one gutsy race from the Brits.  But what were Adomavicius and Mascinskas doing? With France and Great Britain tussling at the front of the field it looked like Lithuania had lost any chance of a medal.

Then the final sprint began. France went to 40 and overtook a fading Great Britain. But all eyes were on Lithuania. At 42 Adimavicius and Mascinskas were flying to the finish. The results would be decided on the line. Less then one second separated the top three crews. France took gold and a splendid sprint by Lithuania earned them silver. The gutsy Brits held on to bronze.

Results: FRA, LTU, GBR, GER, HUN, EST

Gold – MARTEAU, Mickael (bow seat) (FRA)
I felt amazing. We knew that the German boat was really good. I just thought of my daily life, my first thought was my coach and my parents. It’s a pleasure to row.

MASCINSKAS, Rolandas (stroke seat) (LTU)
The Lithuanian double sculls is strong because we have youngsters that row on senior level. It was a good race considering that we only had five days to row together.

Bronze – GROOM, Angus (bow seat) (GBR)
We knew from yesterday that we weren’t quick enough out of the start, so today we just had to get out and defend it. We did get out quick, but couldn’t quite hold on to the gold medal.
We’ve come fourth twice at under 23s and so this is sweeter, knowing that we are just the right side this time.

B-Final

Australia and Norway both just missed out on making the A-final during the semifinals and today it was Australia’s David Watts and Max McQueeney in the lead. Watts and McQueeney warmed up for these under-23 championships by racing at the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne earlier this month and today they dominated the B-final from start to finish. Norway held off Estonia to take second.

Results: AUS, NOR, EST, UKR, ITA, RUS