Star-studded field compete at Armada Cup

For a second year running Stahlberg won the top prize in this 9km race for single scullers on Bern's Lake Wohlen. Stahlberg, 21, was part of his country's men's quadruple sculls that won at this year's World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Stahlberg led for the entire race.

Following Stahlberg home were a host of medallists from the 2013 World Rowing Championships. Second place went to Damir Martin of Croatia who is a reigning World Champion in the men's quadruple sculls. Lithuania's Saulius Ritter was third. Ritter medalled in the men's double sculls at the World Rowing Championships.

Then came silver medallist from the lightweight men's double sculls, Simon Schuerch of Switzerland with another lightweight medallist, Moritz Moos of Germany finishing in fifth.  

Drysdale ended up tenth overall. He kept the pressure on Stahlberg for the majority of the race but Drysdale then got stuck on a sandbank and was overtaken. He finished just over a minute behind Stahlberg. Synek was 20th, back a further minute.

The women's race was won by Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic who is the reigning Olympic Champion. Knapkova was the first woman for the entire distance and finished 55th overall. Kathrin Morbe, 17, of Germany was the second woman home. Morbe won a bronze medallist at this year's World Rowing Junior Championships. Previous Armada Cup winner, Ekaterina Karsten of Belarus came in third, just under a minute behind Knapkova.

Last year's Armada Cup winner, Pamela Weisshaupt of Switzerland was fourth. Weisshaupt did not race internationally this year but she still managed to finish in front of World Champion from the women's double sculls, Milda Valciukaite of Lithuania who was fifth.

Both Knapkova and Stahlberg won chf 1,500 in cash plus taking away the challenge trophy.

The race is unique in that it starts as a mass start with lines of 25 boats stretching across the river. Scullers are given a starting position based on their results from the previous year or in relation to their participation in the World Rowing Championships.  The event attracted over 1,000 competitors with races also taking place in dragonboating, outriggers and gigs. Added to the event was a Para-rowing category with Ursula Schwaller of Switzerland competing.

After last year's snowy conditions, scullers enjoyed fine, mild temperatures of about 20 degrees Celsius this year and flat water.

Next year's Armada Cup will take place on 25 October 2014.  

For a full list of results: www.bkw-armadacup.ch