Lightweight Men's Pair Final

Setting a scorching pace early on was Sam Scrimgeour and Jonathan Clegg of Great Britain. The new British duo set a European Best Time in the heats two days ago, but then went on to finish second in yesterday’s semifinal behind the Dutch, who set a new European Best Time in the process. What would these crews do today?

In this first final of the 2014 European Rowing Championships these crews set the standard of enthusiasm and excitement. Great Britain’s cracking pace kept them in the lead coming into the final 500m. But then both the Dutch and the Swiss really began to move. Great Britain was holding on by the skin of their teeth. Had they done too much too soon? Simon Niepmann and Lucas Tramer of Switzerland are the reigning European Champions and they were now charging.

At the line the Swiss had not only struck gold, but they had also annihilated the European Best Time – already broken on the former two days of racing. Niepmann and Tramer set a time of 6:29.57. This was nearly four seconds faster than the time set yesterday, also by the Swiss.   Great Britain held on to second and the Netherlands came through in third.

Results: SUI, GBR, NED, FRA, GER, ITA

Gold – Lucas Tramer – SUI

We didn’t feel good during the race but we are very happy to win here. It was a very challenging race and such a fast pace – we really had to fight until the end.

Silver – Sam Scrimgeour – GBR

We’re very tired – such a tough race.

Bronze – Tim Weerkamp – NED

Yes, our race went to plan but the other teams were so fast.