Landing Strip turned International Rowing Venue

The first World Cup of 2003 opens in Milan at the Idropark in Segrate, just on the outskirts of the city. This park – the Idroscalo – has a rich history dating back to 1927 when Italy’s then leader, Mussolini, built a non-military airport for the landing of hydroplanes from outlying lakes.

The course was specifically designed to limit cross winds for the landing of planes and so was positioned in a north-south direction. This design made it ideal for rowing and canoe racing as equal conditions are offered for all lanes along the entire eight-lane, 2000 metre course.

By the end of the 1930’s Idroscalo had ceased to be used as an airport and the locale became a leisure area for water sports and boat racing. Swimming was also desirable in the ?airstrip? lake filled by spring water.

While still an airport, the first official rowing event was held in 1934 and since then Idroscalo has also hosted the 1950 European Rowing Championships ? the precursor of today’s World Championships. The course was renovated for the 1988 World Junior Championships and most recently the venue has hosted the 1997 Nations Cup and the 1999 Canoe World Championships.

Idroscalo will also play host to the 2003 World Rowing Championships in August and the large number of entries at next week’s World Cup will act as a build-up for many teams aiming for the Championships.