Japan attracts variety to the Seta

Biking on water at the Seta

Top rowers from throughout Japan lined up over the weekend to race the 6.5km Head of the Seta. In its 14th year, the Head of the Seta prides itself IN being open to any boat that is human powered and this year the spectators cheered on the first ever bike boat entry.

The race attracted over 500 athletes in rowing, canoeing, kayaking and, of course, one bike boat. Singles raced on Saturday followed by a party in the evening with a unique twist. ?At the party rowers can make a crew with other team members to participate in Sunday’s team boat race,? said organiser Hiroyuki Shimada.

Rowers and canoeists get ready at the start

Leading results were dominated by Japanese national team members (from the Gifu World Rowing Championships), Hiroshi Hmamoto (M4+), Takashi Kishimoto (LM4x) and Syuya Matsuda (LM8+).

The head of the Seta has the added importance of being one of the Japanese national team trials races.

For further information (in Japanese) please go to: www.setarc.jp/2005head/

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