Men's Pair (M2-) - Final

World and Olympic Champions, Eric Murray and Hamish Bond of New Zealand decided to open their international season a bit later than usual. This makes Lucerne their first major regatta of the season. It also signifies their chance to add their unbroken wins record. Murray and Bond, however, were not in such dominating form in yesterday’s semifinal with winner of the other semi, Great Britain, recording the fastest qualifying time.

Today, winners of World Rowing Cup II, the Netherlands had the fastest start and they held the lead right to the middle of the race. Meanwhile, Bond and Murray came out of the start with the bunch and slowly began to wind it up so that they got their nose in front just before the half way point. Half way on the Rotsee is the boat park and Bond and Murray must have heard some support from their team mates as from this point on the Kiwi pair pulled away from the pack. A virtual line formed behind New Zealand between Serbia, Great Britain and the Netherlands. Serbia’s Milos Vasic and Nenad Bedik of Serbia had performed a great semifinal race yesterday when they finished second to New Zealand.

In the final sprint, Bond and Murray held 38 strokes per minute. Vasic and Bedik were on 37 and James Foad and Matt Langridge of Great Britain One hit 39. The European Champion British crew had taken silver and closed the gap on the New Zealanders.

Results: NZL, GBR, SRB, NED, AUS, RSA

Eric Murray (b) NZL – gold

The standard has been lifted up in the pair. We are under pressure, which is really good. We only have three races left this season, so every one counts.

Matt Langridge (s) – GBR – silver

It’s getting closer to the New Zealanders. We can do better than that. It’s good to know what to improve for the next six weeks.

Nenad Bedik (s) SRB – bronze

We started well and then kept a good rhythm. We were in the race until 1500m. We are satisfied to be here with New Zealand and Great Britain on the podium.

B-Final

The silver medallists from the London Olympics, Germain Chardin and Dorian Mortelette of France were knocked out of making the A-final in yesterday’s semifinal when they were beaten to the line by the Netherlands. Today they made the best of their race by leading from start to finish. Spain One put up a good challenge, but the French had enough of a leading edge that they were able to counteract any attacks from the rest of the field.

Results: FRA, GBR2, ESP1, ITA, ESP2, BLR