Germany confirms form at final World Cup

Germany topped the overall points table by earning points in 12 of the 14 Olympic events raced and winning gold in four of these events.

The Germans almost dominated the big boat classes winning gold in both the men’s and women’s quads, the men’s eight and finishing fourth in the men’s four, lightweight men’s four and the women’s eight. They also won gold in one of the tightest finals, the men’s double.

Germany’s success comes despite the retirement of a number of key rowers following last year’s Olympic Games. It also comes despite an overhaul of the coaching and administrative staff that has put new head coach, Hartmut Buschbacher in place as well as a new sports director, Michael Gentsch and new president, Siegfried Kaidel.

At the end of racing Germany had tallied up 62 points, 10 points ahead of Great Britain in second and New Zealand, on 50 points, took third.

The New Zealand third place finish was perhaps one of the most impressive results of the regatta. The relatively small team won four golds, and six medals in total from the eight races that they entered. This six medal tally was the most medals won by any single country at the regatta.

During the regatta a number of athletes pulled out for medical reasons causing crews to either reshuffle their line ups or cancel their racing. A number of top boats failed to complete the regatta for this reason including Great Britain’s men’s double.

The overall Rowing World Cup series of three was won by Great Britain who completely dominated the first Rowing World Cup and Banyoles, Spain earning a huge 94 points from the one regatta and making it almost impossible for another country to catch up. Great Britain finished with a total of 213 points, well ahead of second placed Germany at 145 points. The British also won the overall trophy last year, but not in such a vastating fashion. In 2008 their total was 134 points with Germany very close behind on 128 points.

Rowing World Cup points are awarded in Olympic events only and work on a descending scale starting at eight points for a win. The next international rowing event is the World Rowing Under 23 Championships. This event is in Racice, the Czech Republic from 23 – 26 July 2009.