Lassi Karonen SWE Holland Beker winner 2006Taking out the prestigious Holland Beker Cup at the Koninklijke-Holland Beker Regatta, Sweden’s Lassi Karonen reconfirmed his growing status amongst the rowing world of the men’s single scull.

To win the coveted €3000 Cup, in it’s 120th year, Karonen had to overtake a very enthusiastic start by Germany’s Karsten Brodowski and then keep ahead of Olympic Champion and friend Olaf Tufte of Norway.

Luckily for Karonen, 20 year old Brodowski, who owns the world indoor rowing record for juniors, paid for his blistering starting pace and noticeably slowed through the middle of the race. The Swede then had to counter challenges from both Tufte and local hero Sjoerd Hamburger, rowing for his Dutch club, Orca. Looking strong at the finish Karonen took first with Tufte in second and a very happy Hamburger just 0.21 of a second behind in third.

In calm, slight head wind conditions, the Swedes also shone in the women’s event, the Ladies Trophy. Sweden’s Frida Svensson challenged five-time Holland Beker winner, Ekaterina Karsten of Belarus. Svensson never let the Olympic and World Champion Karsten get out of range and at the finish only two seconds separated them. Germany’s Peggy Waleska finished a distance back in third.

Before the race Karsten commented that she enjoys coming the Holland Beker as it gives her a chance to test out her racing strategies without the pressure of the Rowing World Cup racing.

The Netherlands stood out in the men’s four with an easy win over Dutch composite club crew Nereu/Willem III. Dutch head men’s coach Mark Emke said the crew chose to miss the second Rowing World Cup in Poznan to make time for the Holland Beker Regatta but he admitted that he was disappointed by the lack of competition. The four are current world silver medallists and they finished third in a very tight race at the first Rowing World Cup in May. Geert Cirkel, Jan Willem Gabriels, Matthijs Vellenga and Gijs Vermeulen will go on to the Henley Royal Regatta this Karsten wins the Holland Beker Ladies Cupcoming weekend to face current World Champions Great Britain.

Emke commented that the current four line up for the Netherlands was likely to stay the same for this year’s Rowing World Championships along with the men’s eight that just has two changes from last year’s national team eight.

Denmark showed their continued lightweight men’s strength by winning the eight in a close race with the Netherlands’ national team eight. These crews are likely to meet again at the third Rowing World Cup starting 7 July in Lucerne, Switzerland.

For a full list of results go to: www.hollandbeker.nl

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