Rowing meets history at Versailles

France ready to race

Oh, la, la! Paris, France is alive with the sound of sports as the 2012 Olympic bid decision draws nearer and this weekend visitors to the historic castle of Versailles will get to see some of the best rowing crews in the world racing on Louis XIV’s boating lake, the Grand Canal.

The French Rowing Federation has invited quads and eights from Germany, Great Britain, Poland and Australia many of them hot off the international racing circuit after competing at last month’s Rowing World Cup in Eton, Great Britain.

France’s new women’s eight will have to use home crowd momentum when they face Eton World Cup bronze medalists Great Britain. The new British line up fought a close race at Eton that had them ahead of Australia by just two seconds. Germany will be trying out their post-Athens crew with just Nicole Zimmerman and Silke Günther returning to the boat from last year.

Two French men’s eights are up against Germany who is on a 2005 winning streak after finishing first at Eton and at last month’s Huegel Regatta. Germany’s strength is being helped by the retention of five of their Athens Olympic eight. The French will also have to battle old rivals Great Britain who come off a bronze at Eton. The Versailles International will let the rivalry continue which began with the Great Britain vs. France race that used to be held annually on the river Seine. Great Britain will also use this race for ongoing trials to find the perfect coxswain. At Versailles Seb Pearce will get a chance to prove his coxing skills.

Sitting in the French men’s quad is Athens gold medallist from the double, Adrien Hardy and up-and-coming talent Cédric Berrest. But they will have to use the home atmosphere advantage when they come up against Poland who has three-time Olympian Adam Korol leading the way.

France’s women in the quad may have an even tougher time as they will face Great Britain direct from their win at the Eton World Cup and Australia, who finished third at Eton. Australia has reshuffled the crew and added the feisty duo of Amber Bradley and Sally Kehoe who finished third in the double at Eton.

Racing at Versailles

Versailles will be another chance for Australia to prepare for the next Rowing World Cup in Munich, June 17 – 19, before they head back downunder.

The Versailles International will be raced over 1,500 metres with four lanes available. Heats will be followed by A and B finals. 

The days events will also include a demonstration of antique rowing boats including pleasure boats of more than 100 years old and a replica of a 6th century rowing boat.

This is a fitting theme as the Grand Canal was originally built for King Louis XIV’s pleasure in the 18th century when he would invite boats to his canal including gondoliers from Venice. Rowing came into play in 1908 when the Cercle Nautique de Versailles rowing club was established on the canal. They now share the water with tourist boats.

For more information please go to: www.avironfrance.asso.fr