Women's Eight (W8+) - Final

In the heats two days ago Canada and New Zealand earned direct paths to the A-final with all other crews having to race in yesterday’s repechage. New Zealand posted the fastest time making them favourites over the World silver medallists, Canada. It was Canada, coxed by 55 years old Lesley Thompson-Willie that had the lead at the start. Despite New Zealand’s success in rowing they have never medalled at a World Cup in the women’s eight. What would they do today?

Going through the middle of the race Canada remained in the lead with Great Britain slotting into second. The British took bronze at last month’s World Rowing Cup in Varese and they look to be having a very good season. But margins were close with the rest of the field were all on the pace.

Canada’s Nurse, Roman, Grainger, Martins, Mastracci, Brzozowicz, Roper and Wilkinson remained in the lead as New Zealand pushed into second and started to close on the Canadians. Great Britain, now under threat for a medal from Romania, tried their best to hold on. At the line Canada had won, New Zealand had become the most successful women’s eight crew for their country and Great Britain had retained the same spot as World Rowing Cup Two – bronze. New Zealand’s Prendergast and Gowler had earned their second medal at this regatta.

Results: CAN, NZL, GBR, ROU, NED, AUS

Cristy Nurse (b) – CAN – gold

It was a tough race. The competition keeps going up and up every year. Every time we can win a gold medal is special. It’s a great feeling.

Kayla Pratt (b) – NZL – silver  

It’s great to ever get a medal in the eight at a World Cup. It’s amazing. We head to Slovenia for six weeks until the worlds.

Rosamund Bradbury (7) – GBR – bronze  

We’re pleased to be on the podium. We’ll be challenging the top medals soon. We look forward to getting faster.