Men's Single Sculls (M1x) - Final

In the semifinals yesterday, Damir Martin of Croatia set a European Best Time. He did it by beating the World and European Champion, Ondrej Synek of the Czech Republic.  But Synek is known to race very tactical races, otherwise sometimes known as foxing, and it was very likely Synek would be back on top today. At the start Martin was the fastest with Lithuania’s Mindaugas Griskonis in second, but just a fraction ahead of Olaf Tufte of Norway and Synek. 

It took another quarter of racing to really start to sort out the boats with Martin remaining in front and Synek just ahead of Tufte. It looked as though this race was not going completely Synek’s way as he kept on looking out of his boat to see where Martin was. Usually Synek is in control and this must have been an odd situation for him. 

Meanwhile Griskonis had all but pulled out of the race as Tufte remained in a medal spot behind the battle between Synek and Martin. Storming home to the finish line, Martin had beaten the World Champion and also broken the European Best Time – a time that he set yesterday in the semifinals. Martin’s new time was six seconds faster than his time yesterday. What a race! The new time: 6:41.65. Synek took second just ahead of Tufte in third. This was an impressive result for the 2008 Olympic Champion. Norway’s rowing hero, Tufte last stepped onto the podium for a medal in 2010. There will be celebrations tonight in Croatia and Norway. 

Results: CRO, CZE, NOR, GBR, BEL, LTU

Damir Martin (CRO) – Gold

It was unbelievable to win. From the start I took my pace in this tailwind. At 500m to go, I just wanted to take my chances and win.

Ondrej Synek (CZE) – Silver

Damir (Martin) was too quick today, I was not in my normal shape. The most important is the World Championships.

Olaf Tufte (NOR) – Bronze

The best man won today. I got sick a few weeks ago and was suffering in the heats and semis, but I am happy about my performance today.

B-final

A slight lead at the start went to Sverri Nielsen of Denmark. Nielsen is in his fourth season of international racing and he made the C-final at last year’s World Rowing Championships. Roel Braas of the Netherlands followed in second. Then Stanislau Shcharbachenia of Belarus did a big piece going through the 1200m mark. Nielson was ready and tried to hold on.

Results: BLR, DEN, SRB, FIN, NED, ROU