Entries: Samsung World Rowing Cup II, Hamburg, Germany

More than 500 competitors from 38 nations will line up for three days of racing which will be highlighted by the blue riband events – the men’s and women’s single sculls and eights.

Reigning World Champion in the men’s single, Ondrej Synek of the Czech Republic is on pace after winning last month at the first World Cup. Synek, however, comes up against former World Champion, Mahe Drysdale of New Zealand for the first time this season. The line up in the single also includes Olympic Champion Olaf Tufte (Norway) and Great Britain’s indomitable sprinter, Alan Campbell.

The women’s single returns to a depth that hasn’t been seen in recent years. The former World and Olympic Champion Ekaterina Karsten of Belarus shows no sign of slowing down as she goes into her 21st year of international competition. China’s Xiuyun Zhang has returned and continues her career that began in 1993 and includes 1996 Olympic silver. After the first World Cup, Germany signalled that they have a new queen of the single. Annekatrin Thiele has left successful team boat rowing to pursue the single and last month she proved her speed finishing just behind Karsten.

Germany continues to dominate the men’s eight with an unbroken winning streak that goes back to 2009. No doubt being on home turf will play to the German’s advantage despite Great Britain fighting hard to win.

The lightweight men’s double has again attracted a huge field and will see reigning World Champions Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter (GBR) doing all they can to get back into the medals after finishing fourth at the first World Cup. Purchase and Hunter will be up against first World Cup winners, France, who won at the first World Cup and New Zealand who fly in to Europe for this season’s first appearance on the circuit.

The executive committee of FISA, the International Rowing Federation, has carefully analysed the recent E. coli outbreak in Northern Germany and based on actions and recommendations, they are confident that there is no undue risk to participants.

The regatta goes from 17 – 19 June 2011 at the Hamburg International Regatta Course in Allermoehe.