Men's Single Sculls (M1x) - Final

It was a big task today for World Champion Ondrej Synek of the Czech Republic. Synek finished second to Damir Martin (CRO) at the European Championships and then third at World Rowing Cup II last month in Varese. Yesterday, Olympic Champion Mahe Drysdale of New Zealand finished ahead of Synek in the semifinals. What would Synek do today?

Drysdale got his boat out quickly at the start. This is not usually Drysdale’s style as usually he tends to build as the race advances. This was maybe a sign of Drysdale’s 2015 form. By the middle of the race Drysdale had earned a boat length lead with the regular fast starter, Mindaugas Griskonis of Lithuania slotting into second as Synek followed in third. Griskonis had a blistering semifinal yesterday to earn him a centre lane today and his form was looking very, very promising.

Not seen for a long, long time in this boat class, Drysdale then pushed away to an open water lead with Alan Campbell of Great Britain getting the better of Synek. In the final sprint Drysdale rated a rather sedate 33 to lead rather comfortably. Griskonis followed in second at 36 while Campbell was at 42 to hold off Belgium. Drysdale had won in dominating style, Griskonis earned his first medal on the Rotsee and Campbell had shown that he was back on his game after injury.

Results: NZL, LTU, GBR, BEL, CZE, ITA

Mahe Drysdale – NZL – gold

I just feel so good, and it’s great to win this way with such a quality field.

Mindaugas Griskonis – LTU – silver

I’m very happy with this medal. It’s special as it’s my first one in Lucerne. It’s very cool as I was ill all season, but I’m finally feeling good. My goal is to be at least in the final in Aiguebelette. 

Alan Campbell – GBR – bronze

It’s the most back to form I’ve felt since the Olympics in London. I want to make up the distance to Mahe until the worlds, but he’s really fast.

B-Final

This is the first time Luxemburg has come to an international regatta and Jean-Benoit Valschaerts has been doing his nation proud. Luxemburg will become a member federation of FISA later this year. Valschaerts had the fastest start but was overtaken by European Champion, Damir Martin of Croatia going through the middle of the race. Once in the lead Martin was able to push away from the field. In the final sprint, bronze medallist from World Rowing Cup II, Stanislau Shcharbachenia of Belarus moved to a 36 stroke rate and attacked. Martin was only just able to hold him off.

Results: CRO, BLR, GER1, FIN, LUX, ISR