Short, fast and by night: rowing’s Speedcup.

Once the 2006 World Rowing Championship dust has settled, it will be time to head to the South of France for some Speedcup racing. This new rowing initiative is the brainchild of Pierre Bruno and it’s all about racing eights, at night, over the brutally short 400 metre distance.

The Speed Cup 2006 is planned for 29 September through to 1 October and Bruno is planning for 120 teams from throughout Europe and the world.

“The concept is simple,” says Bruno. “A 400 metre sprint, in eights, by night, with live music.”

Competitors will not need to bring boats as all equipment will be supplied by boatbuilders Vega and CMS Aviron Marignane. Blades will all be standardised to one length, 3.76m, and non-adjustable. The race will be in a two-by-two format with qualifying rounds on the first day. The short, sharp, action-packed style will see four minute intervals between each race with no warm-up in the boat and no cool-down.

“The great majority of races will be raced at night within a limited water area that’s secured and well lit,” says Bruno.

The winning crew will take home a brand new black carbon Vega 8+.

For more information contact Bruno on +33 (0)6 11 21 86 04. For entry and accommodation details go to: http://www.speedcup2006.com/.

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