Final World Cup Decides Points Winner

After the first Rowing World Cup at Eton in May, Great Britain led the field over Germany with the Czech Republic in third. But the Munich World Cup in June changed this order with Germany taking over as points leader. After the final World Cup last weekend in Lucerne, Germany retained the lead but their usual huge points margin had been whittled away after winning only one gold medal.

In the last three years Germany has earned more than double the points of their nearest rival, Great Britain. This year they led by 153 points to Great Britain's 111.

Italy finished third despite winning no gold medals at Lucerne but finishing second overall at Munich. Italy has held the number three spot for the last three years.

Coming into the top 10 for the first time was New Zealand who competed at the final two World Cups and at Lucerne picked up gold in both the men's and women's pair. The Kiwi team of five entries won medals in four of these events. Also making the top 10 for the first time in recent years was Poland who attended all three World Cups and at Lucerne picked up three bronze medals.

The United States slipped well down in the rankings after an almost complete absence from the international scene this year. The country continues their trial process to select their World Championship team later this week.

A total of 39 countries made it on to the medals table.

Points are awarded in 14 Olympic events only and work on a descending scale starting at eight points for a win.