Tears for Redgrave, World Best Time for Drysdale at rowing champs

The 2009 World Rowing Championships at Poznan, Poland shook up the rowing world with the crowning of new World Champions. In tail-cross wind conditions that increased throughout the morning to relatively rough waters, the New Zealanders, Bond and Murray got within a second of a World Best Time. Not to be outdone, their fellow countryman, Mahe Drysdale broke his own record to set a new World Best Time. And Sir Steve Redgrave shows his emotions when Britain’s Katherine Grainger medals.

WOMEN’S FOUR (W4-) – Final

The Netherlands have showed themselves as the crew to beat but the strength of the United States in this event is well known. Who would pull off the gold medal spot today? The Dutch are all racing in their eight tomorrow and they must have decided that this is a great warm up for the Olympic eights event. Today they got out in the lead as the crowd of orange in the grandstand let rip with their “Holland” chant. The United States tried their best to come back and challenge, but it looked as if the bobbly water was doing them no favours.

By the half way point the US had moved into third just behind Canada and a piece through the third-500 gave them the silver medal spot. Still the Netherlands, stroked by Femke Dekker, remained in front. A bad stroke by the United States coming into the final sprint set them back a touch. The Netherlands take gold.

Results: NED, USA, CAN, AUS, GER, BLR

Chantal Achterberg, Nienke Kingma, Carline Bouw, Femke Dekker (NED) – Gold
“This is my first World Championship medal and I’m very happy about it. The wind was a bit difficult. But the result was great. We have some great talents in the boat. The eight will be next, which is the Olympic boat. This is motivating and if the other girls from the second four go strong too, we can do well tomorrow.” Femke Dekker

Amanda Polk, Jamie Redman, Eleanor Logan, Esther Lofgren (USA)– Silver
“There were some really fast crews out there. The Dutch set the bar pretty high, and we put in a solid effort and left it all on the course. I’m excited to come back next year.”

Sarah Waterfield, Sandra Kisil, Jennifer Tuters, Emma Darling (CAN) – Bronze
“It was a really good race, it is actually the first victory for us all! We’ve been in rowing for about three years.” Jennifer Tuters

WOMEN’S PAIR (W2-) – Final

What a way to start the Olympic event finals at this year’s World Rowing Championships. Six crews were in it at the start. All six crews remained in it at the finish. This was nothing short of a nail-biting entire 2000m at the Malta regatta course.

New Zealand (Emma Feathery and Rebecca Scown) came through to this final as the favourites having won the last two Rowing World Cups, but at the start it was 2008 Olympians, Australia who had the lead. But margins were tiny between the entire field and even with 500m rowed all of the boats remained overlapping. Then Camelia Lupascu and Nicoleta Albu of Romania got their bow ball ahead, but only just. Margins remained tight. Heart rates pumped high on and off the water. No crew could dominate.

With three-quarters of the race rowed, still the margins were tight. No one could break away. All boats sprinted. The United States (Susan Francia and Erin Cafaro) handled it the best. Francia and Cafaro are the 2009 World Champions. Lupascu and Albu sneak through to second and Feathery and Scown cap off their great season with bronze. At the finish only four seconds separate the entire field with first Rowing World Cup winner, Great Britain at the back. Francia and Cafaro now go to prepare to race in their country’s eight.

Results: USA, ROU, NZL, GER, AUS, GBR

Zsuzsanna Francia, Erin Cafaro (USA) – Gold
“In terms of tomorrow’s race, muscle milk, rinse and repeat. I knew today was going to be close, but I have one of the best athletes in the world behind me, Zsuzsanna Francia, and if she’s behind you, everything will turn out good.” Erin Cafaro

Camelia LUPASCU, Nicoleta ALBU (ROU) – Silver
“It is our first victory, a lot of emotions are coming out. It was a hard race, but we were strong until the end. I’m very proud of us.” Nicoleta Albu

Emma-Jane Feathery, Rebecca Scown (NZL) – Bronze
“This is bitter sweet and not want we wanted. But it’s our first year in this combination and there is still a lot we can work on.”  Emma-Jane Feathery

MEN’S PAIR (M2-) – Final

Greece decided if they were going to pull this off they had to do it at the start. Belting out at the beginning settled to a 38 stroke rate from a 46 stroke start. Greece’s Nikolaos and Apostolos Gkountoulas have been waiting in the wings, improving their speed and aiming for the top. Today they wanted gold.

This initial burst by Greece did not faze the New Zealanders. Eric Murray and Hamish Bond must have known the pace was unsustainable. The British, Andrew Triggs Hodge and Peter Reed also looked unconcerned. There was still a lot of water to go. With half the race gone, Murray and Bond had moved into the position they know so well, first. Triggs Hodge and Reed had moved into the position that they are getting to know well, second. And with that these two mighty crews went clear away from the rest of the field.

Despite their fast start the Gkountoulas brothers were able to hold their pace and remain in third, with France doing their best to attack. Greece held them off, although only just. Murray and Bond become World Champions for the second time, but first time in the pair. Their outstanding unbeaten season ends with a race just one second outside of the World Best Time set nine years ago by the incredible Pinsent and Cracknell.

Results: NZL, GBR, GRE, FRA, USA, RSA

Eric Murray, Hamish Bond (NZL) – Gold
“It was really good. The tail wind is good to go quick. We’ve done some good tail wind stuff in the past, but were a bit worried. We kept pushing and pushing to get into the lead and used a lot of energy doing that. Then we put as much effort as possible in it to stay in front. And the British kept coming back. We were just pushing to make it to the final line. But you don’t really feel the pain as there’s so much adrenalin.”  Eric Murray

Peter Reed, Andrew Triggs Hodge (GBR) – Silver
“We worked really hard for the last seven weeks, developed a great confidence and technique. None of us had an injury which is great. Andrew is an amazing partner, we had like THE perfect race, gained inches all along the race. It would be great to continue rowing together.”  Peter Reed

Nikolaos Gkountoulas, Apostolos Gkountoulas (GRE) – Bronze
“We hoped to come third and we made it! Gold medallists last year [in the lightweight pair], we tried to be realistic this year. The wind helped us all along which is great for the lightweights. Overall it was a great race, we are good partners.” Nikolaos Gkountoulas

WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS (W2X) – Final

This event has been an open slate all season with the United States perhaps having a slight edge after winning last month’s Rowing World Cup. After an initial lead the United States found themselves behind sisters Lenka and Jitka Antosova of the Czech Republic. The burst by the Antosova’s didn’t last long with Poland’s Julia Michalska and Magdalena Fularczyk bearing down on the leaders. Michalska is a Poznan local and she must have been loving the crowd adulation.

With over 40 coaches on bikes following the race, there was no doubt about the excitement in this race. Sprinting to the line Michalska and Fularczyk looked the most in control. As the Czech Republic and the United States faded, Great Britain and Bulgaria began to pull through. Great Britain’s Anna Bebington and Annabel Vernon have been regular medallists this season. They both medalled at the 2008 Olympic Games, but in different events. This is their first season together.

In Bulgaria’s boat sat Olympic Champion from the single, Rumyana Neykova with partner Miglena Markova. The duo are known for their slow starts, but blistering finishes. The blistering finish had begun. Great Britain continued to build. Bulgaria charged. Could the Poles hold them off? Margins got tighter and tighter. Poland had done it.

Results: POL, GBR, BUL, AUS, CZE, USA

Magdalena Fularczyk, Julia Michalska (POL) – Gold
“I would like to be an inspiration for young athletes to follow their dream. We are a good example that with hard work you can fulfil your dream. I also thank the city of Poznan and everybody here for all their help and support.” Julia Michalska

Anna Bebington, Annabel Vernon (GBR) – Silver
“I’m really proud of us. We did what we set out to do. We are pleased with silver.” Anna Bebington

Rumyana Neykova, Miglena Markova (BUL) – Bronze
“It was a very difficult race with a lot of wind from different directions. But we kept the tempo, stayed concentrated on our technique. I am not planning on going back into a single scull for now, the double suits me well. With Miglena we make a good team.” Rumyana Neykova

MEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS (M2X) – Final

All six crews got out together in this race that had the chance of being won by any of these crews. Slovenia jumped out at the start, but by the half way point Estonia’s Allar Raja and Kaspar Taimsoo had taken the lead. This young Estonian crew has surprised all season and as they led the bigger rowing nations, they continued to surprise.

But margins were small and with Germany (Eric Knittel and Stephan Krueger) and France (Julien Bahain and Cedric Berrest) going stroke for stroke just a fraction behind the Estonians. Then New Zealanders Matthew Trott and Nathan Cohen took their stroke rate to a 46 and charged into the medals picture. This race was going to end in a photo finish. Full credit to the Germans. Knittel and Krueger become World Champions for the first time. Knittel had worked his way through being twice a team spare and a 2008 injury to be the best in the world. Bahain and Berrest just managed to pip the Estonians and continue on their way to their goal of 2012 Olympic gold. Raja and Taimsoo, in third, continue to put Estonia on the map.

Results: GER, FRA, EST, NZL, SLO, SRB

Eric Knittel, Stephan Krueger (GER) – Gold
“Everything turned black in front of my eyes at the finish line, so I didn’t even know that we came first. Second would have been great also, but this is wonderful. A World Championship win is a very fine thing. We will have a big party tonight after all the abstinence.” Stephan Krueger
“Our start wasn’t very good, but we had a strong piece from 500 to 1,500 and were able to save some power. When I last looked across I saw the Estonians a little bit ahead and told my stroke to give it all now. I still can’t comprehend this. It’s like waking up from a dream. We have been unbeaten over twelve races this season – it’s really been a dream season.” Eric Knittel

Julien Bahain, Cedric Berrest (FRA) – Silver
“Good race overall, a couple of mistakes in the beginning, which slowed us down a little, the wind was tough as well. We were surprised by the Estonians whom we thought would slow down on the second half, but they kept the rhythm and it was a very intense race. The fact of having made mistakes is reassuring in a way because we know that we can do better, it encourages us to keep fighting and constructing this boat on a long term basis. Looking forward to London!” Julien Bahain

Allar Raja, Kaspar Taimsoo (EST) – Bronze
“The finish was very difficult. The wind and the conditions made it especially hard. But Kaspar kept me going. We didn’t expect this result earlier this season.”  Allar Raja
“The conditions were difficult, but the tail wind was good for us too. Like in Lucerne it was very close with the French, but this medal is great too. We would definitely like to continue in the double and maybe even until 2012.” Kaspar Taimsoo

MEN’S FOUR (M4-) – Final

The Australians have a good feel about this venue. Last year, at the final Olympic qualification regatta they raced through to first and then went on to medal at the Beijing Olympics. The crew, completely in tact, returned to the Malta regatta course this year with high expectations. Francis Hegerty, Cameron McKenzie McHarg, James Marburg and Matthew Ryan of Australia had the fastest start. A six crews, however, remained hot on their heels.

Then Great Britain (Matthew Langridge, Alex Gregory, Richard Egington and Alex Partridge) stepped up the pace and rating 37 strokes per minute, got their boat in front and continued to power away from the Australians, now in second. This British boat is considered the number two crew behind their country’s men’s pair, but they have been proving themselves all season and continued to today.

Australia gave it all they had to hold catch the British, but Great Britain was controlling the race. Meanwhile the remaining three boats had a full-on tussle going on. Belarus gained the bronze medal spot, then the Czech Republic. There was, however, more water to row. Slovenia was coming through. This Slovenian four has remained together since their Olympic final last year and have been chipping away at the top end of their field. Today they had the sprint of their life to get a well deserved bronze medal.

Results: GBR, AUS, SLO, CZE, FRA, BLR

Alex Partridge, Richard Egington, Alex Gergory, Matthew Langridge (GBR) – Gold
“Great Race. It encourages us for the Olympics. At the 1,000 meters we worked hard to get into a strong position. I want to keep my first place and will keep fighting no matter which boat I am in.” Alex Patridge

Matthew Ryan, James Marburg, Cameron McKenzie McHarg, Francis Hegerty (AUS) – Silver
“Second again. That wasn’t the plan, but it was still a good race for us. It’s great to be racing such a world class crew as the British and I look forward to more battles until 2012. We got consistency and I believe we can still do one better. We’ll continue to aim for the top spot.” Cameron McKenzie McHarg

Tomaz Pirih, Rok Rozma, Rok Kolander, Miha Pirih (SLO) – Bronze
“We are very happy. This is my first medal and I don’t even know what to say, I’m just so happy. This has been the best year for me. It’s like living in a dream.”  Tomaz Pirih

WOMEN’S SINGLE SCULLS (W1X) – Final

How many people can say that they’ve made the best rower in history cry? Katherine Grainger of Great Britain did it today. Grainger is Great Britain’s most successful women rower having earned Olympic medals in the quad and pair. This season she moved to the single. She won at the first Rowing World Cup but then struggled to make the medals podium for the rest of the season. Today she had the race of the season against the best single scullers in the world.

China opened the race in the lead and looked to be in control. The 34 stroke rate pace of Grainger brought her into the lead just after the half way point. The World Champion, Ekaterina Karsten-Khodotovitch of Belarus, however, was burning down the outside. Karsten is at her first regatta this season having been working through a shoulder injury this season. Her form was relatively unknown especially after being beaten in the heats.

Coming into the final sprint, Karsten upped the rating to 34 and then 36. Grainger held on. These two crews were on opposite sides of the course and must have been having a devil of a time trying to see each other. As the water got more and more lumpy they would have had to concentrate for all that they were worth. Karsten had defended her title. Grainger was absolutely ecstatic to take silver. Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic, after a very solid season, would have to be content with bronze.

Sir Steve Redgrave stood on the shore waiting for Grainger. Tears were in his eyes.

Results: BLR, GBR, CZE, NZL, CHN, RUS

Ekatarina Karsten-Khodotovitch (BLR) – Gold
“Incredible race. I honestly didn’t realise I was leading for the second half, I just didn’t see it. This last season wasn’t easy, I missed a lot of training and competitions because of my shoulder issue due to a bike accident. But every training that took place led me here. In the future I haven’t decided yet whether I am going to continue in the single sculls or in a double, but I am for sure looking forward to the Olympics in London!”

Katherine Grainger (GBR) – Silver
“I knew it would be very fast conditions and that I needed to get ahead. I didn’t want to look out too much, but you kind of have a feeling who is fast and I knew that nobody had really gone ahead too much. There are probably twelve years behind this medal. I was very disappointed after Beijing and wanted to have a change. You got to love racing like this and in the single you continue learning a lot about yourself. If I’ll stay in the single? I don’t know – 2012 is still a long way off,”

Mirka Knapkova (CZE) – Bronze
“Ekatarina is just very good, but I meant to be better. I feel very good right now and could do another 2,000m. That shows that I just couldn’t get my power in. I made many technical mistakes in these conditions and couldn’t get my stroke rate up, which was a bit disappointing. I must work on my technique.”

MEN’S SINGLE SCULLS (M1X) – Final

The hype leading into this event was phenomenal. Alan Campbell of Great Britain had declared that this was his year to win a World Champion title. Defending World Champion Mahe Drysdale of New Zealand had declared that he was in fine form. Tim Maeyens of Belgium was at the top of his game having medalled already this season. Ondrej Synek of the Czech Republic wanted to redeem his poor season so far and Norway’s Olympic Champion Olaf Tufte never fails to deliver when it counts.

As expected Campbell rocketed off the start and took an early lead. These scullers all know each other’s racing habits and Drysdale must have known the he had the power to overtake Campbell. The race then shaped out to what has been the norm. Drydsale worked his way through Campbell to take the lead. But the big question was, could Campbell come back using his awesome sprint? And who would take third?

Tufte looked out of the action at the back of the field. Maeyens was feeling the heat. It was up to Synek to come through. Campbell lifted his stroke rate to above 40. Drysdale had just enough to hold him off. Synek looked comfortable in third. All crews fought with the rough water. Despite the roughness Drysdale broke his own World Best Time by two seconds. The new record is 6:33.35.

Results: NZL, GBR, CZE, BEL, GER, NOR

Mahe Drysdale, NZL – Gold
“I am glad to be here, the last 500 meters were rough because of the conditions, but I made it. This year has really been a dream year for me. It’s been one of the best ever years and this is a great way to finish it. It was really tough at the end. I had few bad strokes and every time that happened Alan moved up. Alan really stepped up this season. I rate him as one of the toughest after this year and he’s definitely hungry. I look forward to next year and the home crowd, which hopefully will bring me down the last 500 metres. It definitely won’t be easy. Everybody is getting better all the time and us two beating the world best time shows it. I started this season with little expectations. I took three months off after Beijing, I have a new coach and it’s a new team around me. But today was a great day for New Zealand and a great start to the next cycle. ”

Alan Campbell (GBR) – Silver
“I’m very disappointed. There were just too many crabs in the last bit. We both broke the World Best Time and I still only came second. I didn’t come here for silver. I know, we played it down, but I wanted gold. I will just have to go back now and work even harder. I don’t know why I’m disappointed. This was my first World Championship medal, so I can’t be disappointed, but I got to sniff gold and just missed it.”

Ondrej Synek (CZE) – Bronze
“I’m happy with bronze. The conditions today were very difficult. I don’t like this kind of weather, there were just too many waves. But this is my first medal this season, so I’m happy.”