One More National Title for Pettinari!

World lightweight doubles champion Leonardo Pettinari has become Italian indoor champion after beating his doubles partner Elia Luini in an attempt to crush the world indoor lightweight record at the 2^nd Italian Indoor Rowing Championships in Rome this week-end (February 2 and 3).

Pettinari finished within 3 seconds of Danish lightweight Eskild Ebbesen’s record of 6.03.02, completing the 2000 metre challenge in 6:06.02. His opponent, Luini, finished just behind in 6:11.0, followed 3.9 seconds later by Stefano Fraquelli of the Fiamme Gialle club.

In the senior category, Valerio Pinton, also from the successful Fiamme Gialle took the lead in 5:55.4 over ex-world champion in the coxless four – Raffaello Leonardo.

Paolo Loriato, member of the men’s eight which competed at the World Championships in Lucerne last year was fastest in the Under 23 category with the second best time of the day of 5: 56.5. Luca Agamennoni, silver medallist in Lucerne in the men’s coxed four followed in 6:00.3. Only 1.4 seconds behind was Lorenzo Porzio, also from the World Championship men’s eight crew.

673 athletes from rowing champions to fitness enthusiasts – participated in this two-day event. Juniors, seniors and masters competed in 1000, 1500 and 2000 metre ergometre races at the Forum Roma S.C. in Rome, Italy.

For more information, full results and a photo gallery of the event, visit the official Italian Rowing Federation website on www.canottaggio.org.