Winter Sprinting - FISA Team Cup Puts Great Britain on Top

The FISA Team Cup and International Regatta of Andalusia finished with Great Britain at the top of the points table over the weekend in Seville, Spain. Behind them Russia finished second and Spain third.

A two-hour weather delay on the first day had the races commence in windy conditions over the 1000 metre distance. Day two again saw changeable weather with wind, rain and sunshine – all in one day – keeping rowers on their toes.

Grainger & Bishop, GB W2-
© Javier Blázquez

Former World Champion, Katrin Rutschow-Stomporowski of Germany had an easy win in the single over 1000 metres, leading Great Britain’s top three scullers. Over the shorter, 500-metre distance on day two, Rutschow-Stomporowski was challenged by Volha Berazniova who raced at last year’s World Championships in the quad. Berazniova finished in a close second.

The shorter distance did not favour eight-time World Champion and three-time Olympic gold medallist Katrin Boron of Germany. Along with partner Britta Oppelt, the Germans finished second in the double over day one’s 1000 metre course and then slipped to fourth over the 500-metre distance. Russia won the double both days with Larissa Merk teaming up with Oxana Dorodaora on the first day and Olga Samulenkoya on the second.

Great Britain’s men’s four, featuring Matthew Pinsent in stroke seat, held off their country’s second crew by nearly three seconds on day one, but were then piped by a fast-starting Russian crew over the 500-metre distance on the second day.

GB M8+
© Javier Blázquez

Current World Champions Marie-Louise Draeger and Claudia Blasberg of Germany finished ahead of the Netherlands and Great Britain in the lightweight double. All three boats qualified for the Olympic Games at last year’s World Championships and over the shorter distance the order remained the same despite Marie-Louise Draeger swapping out for Janet Raduenzel.

The best result for Spain came in the lightweight men’s single when Juan Zunzunegui won over the 1000 metre distance and team mate, Marco Toral came first in the 500 metre sprint.

Great Britain led the points table after the first day and continued to accumulate points on day two fielding a complete national squad. The British team used the opportunity as a welcome break from winter training.

For a complete list of results please go to: www.deporteandaluz.com