Men’s Eight (M8+) – Final

Italy and Germany had won their respective heats earlier in the week giving them a direct path to the final. All other boats had to go through a repechage. Germany are the Rio Olympic silver medallists and also the 2012 Olympic Champions. The Dutch finished third at the Olympics and have medalled at the World Cups this season. Italy have had average results this season, but look to be on fire at this regatta. Taking a bow ball lead at the start was Germany with New Zealand the closest challengers. The United States then did a push and moved into second as Germany really began to show their superiority and take nearly a boat length lead.

The crowd was on their feet. This US crew is unknown as they haven’t raced internationally this season and they were giving it their best shot. What a gutsy performance from the United States. With Germany out in front at 38, the United States went to 43 with Italy in the mid 40s as well.

Results: GER, USA, ITA, NED, ROU, NZL

Hannes Ocik (s), Germany, gold
“Honestly, I think the work in the two months before this event was so much tougher than the actual race. Staying focused for so long was a real challenge. It was such a good feeling crossing the finish line today.”

Dariush Aghai (b), United States of America, silver
“Feels great to medal today, got a great bunch of people here. We’ve only been together a short time as well. The last 500m I just zoned in to our cox and we managed a sprint.”

Bruno Rosetti, Italy, bronze
“I think we were really the outsider in this race after coming 7^th in Lucerne. The strongest point about this crew is that we’re really good friends, we’re like a family, a nine-man family. This is like a dream come true for me because I came back after an eight-year break just before Lucerne.”

B-final

The Olympic Champions, Great Britain had the fastest time when they missed out on the A-final in their semifinal earlier in the week. They came out of the start just behind Poland. Then the British did a push and got their nose in front. Poland held on. At the half way point there was very little between the British, Poland, Australia and Ukraine. Great Britain remained just in front and they got to the finish line still in first with Poland, Australia and Ukraine crossing in a photo finish. The Australian sprint was just that bit better.

Results: GBR, AUS, UKR, POL, RUS, CHN