Men's Quadruple Sculls (M4x) - Final

The fastest qualifying time from the heats was Russia. They shot off quickly with reigning World Champions, Ukraine taking chase. These two crews went through the first marker practically equal. Russia had in its stroke seat, Sergey Fedorovtsev, 35, an Olympic Champion from this boat class from 2004. A lot has changed in the quad since then, but Fedorovtsev was definitely holding his own. 

Russia continued to lead through the body of the race with Ukraine doing everything to hold on. Behind them Poland and Great Britain were neck and neck with winners of World Rowing Cup I, Germany at the back of the field. As crews closed on the line, the gap between them also closed. Russia had held off Ukraine to take gold. Ukraine gained silver and a huge sprint by Great Britain earned them the bronze medal. Great Britain set a new European Best Time during their repechage yesterday. Today they only snagged the bronze medal, but yesterday’s Best Time still stands. 

Results: RUS, UKR, GBR, POL, LTU, GER

Sergey Fedorovtsev (RUS) – Gold

It’s a very important start with the Olympic qualification regatta this year. These results motivate us for the rest of the season towards Aiguebelette. It’s crazy to see such a high and similar level from all crews.

Ivan Dovgodko (UKR) – Silver

We had a very bad week. The final was a bit better. We saw the Russians in the heat, they are really strong men. We think we can beat them when we have better health.

Peter Lambert (GBR) – Bronze

I am pleased with this result. The regatta was kind of a build-up for us, as it is only the 3^rd 2000m we have done together. We have to give massive credit to Jack Beaumont, the way he jumped in the boat. This can happen at any regatta and the crew has to make it easy for the person coming into the boat. 

B-final

Drama in the middle of the race when France caught a crab and slipped back. Leading for almost the whole race, Switzerland had a clean race, averaging about 38 strokes per minute. Estonia tried to catch the Swiss, but remained in second through to the line.

Results: SUI, EST, NOR, FRA, CZE