The Hunt for Good Water ? Czech National Team Change Training Venue

water … everywhere
© FISA

Shortage of water is certainly not a problem for the Czech national team. However, the quality of water is. Flooding in the Czech Republic has caused the national team to replan their lead up to the World Championships.

It would be hard to miss the international media coverage of the devastating floods that swamped Prague, where the national team were based. But in all the media coverage, there didn’t seem to be a mention of the national rowing team preparing for the World Championships.

The team was to continue their build up to the World Championships in Prague following the Munich World Cup. However, they were forced to move to Racice when the waters of the Vitava in the historic capital started to rise.

Training at Racice will mean the team will relocate again when the World Masters Championships are in progress in early September. Brno, near the Austrian border, will be their next stop and then back to Racice after the Master’s Regatta.

Head Coach, Premysl Panuska, is optimistic about the changes and with Brno only about four hours away, disruption will be kept to a minimum. ?The main problem is the quality of the water and possible infection,? he said. ?It’s also quite dangerous with submerged debris and dead animals.? Fortunately for the Czech Republic, less fortunate for Germany, most of the large debris had flowed on.

For the athletes it’s business as usual. Three rowers are currently competing at the World University Rowing Championships in England and the men’s double, who took gold at the World Cup in Munich are looking good. ?They have made some steps forward and they look very well,? said Panuska.