A German resurge at Munich World Cup

This German renaissance comes in the wake of a huge reshuffle amongst their administration and coaches following last year’s Beijing Olympics which saw the rowing powerhouse lose their edge.

Under new head coach Hartmut Buschbacher, Germany finished the Rowing World Cup with five gold medals, all of them won in Olympic events. The Germans were back on top in both the men’s and women’s eight and managed a double header in the men’s four, finishing first and second in this event. The women’s quad finished far in front and the men’s double used a powerful sprint to secure the gold.

Germany’s total medal haul earned them 69 points overall, two points ahead of Great Britain on 67.

Great Britain completely controlled the first rowing World Cup last month winning nine out of the 14 Olympic class races. At Munich Great Britain, again with boats in all 14 events, only managed one gold. This gold, however, turned out to be historical. Winning the lightweight women’s double counted as the first gold medal ever to be won in this event by the British at a World Cup event.

Sophie Hosking and Hester Goodsell of Great Britain finished ahead of first Rowing World Cup winners, Germany in the lightweight double. Hosking told GB Rowing News, “We talked about making history last night but then decided to put those thoughts away and concentrate on the process.”

New Zealand, who finished third with 50 points, had their most successful World Cup in history. They collected four gold medals, two silvers and a bronze in the Olympic events. The medals predominantly came in small boats with both the men’s and women’s pair going New Zealand’s way at the opening of finals day. Reigning world champion Mahe Drysdale then pushed through to win the men’s single with the lightweight men’s double making it four golds. New Zealand also won gold in the international event, the lightweight men’s single with reigning world champion, Duncan Grant continuing his winning streak.

The total after two Rowing World Cups had Great Britain well out in front with 161 points. Germany follows with 83 and Poland sits in third on 60 points. Poland has recorded a solid performance at both the first and second World Cups as they build their team towards this year’s World Rowing Championships to be raced in their home country.

Rowing World Cup points are awarded in Olympic events only and work on a descending scale starting at eight points for a win. The third and final Rowing World Cup for 2009 will be raced in Lucerne, Switzerland from 10 – 12 July.