Men’s Eight (M8+) – Final

In the outer lane Romania had a very good start. Romania had to come to this final through the repechage and they must have been practicing their starts in between races. But then getting to the first 500m mark in the lead was the winner of World Rowing Cup II, Germany. The Germans also set a new World Best Time last month at the World Cup and they must have been given a real confidence boost with this win. Germany still had the lead going through the middle of the race with Australia moving into second ahead of Romania.

Coxed by Martin Sauer, the Germans held a 37 stroke rate to stay in front as Australia gave it their all to get in front of Germany. And they were doing it. It was neck-and-neck with Australia on 43 to Germany’s 41.  Just 15 strokes remained and there was nothing in it. Germany had done it. Australia scored a well-deserved silver and the Neatherland’s  number one crew had shaken off Romania to take bronze.

Results: GER, AUS, NED1, ROU, NED2, GBR

Martin Sauer (c), Germany, gold
“It was a very hard race, hopefully for the Aussies too. We knew they could be really quick after putting the four into the eight. We had to work a lot to stay in front. Now we have one more relaxed week and then full into training for the worlds.”

James Rook (c), Australia, silver
“It was a tough race today. We came out to win, we had great support from our coach. During the race, I just kept telling them where we were and in the last 100m I had a great response from the guys and we closed up on them (GBR).”

Tone Wieten, Netherlands, bronze
“It was a hard race, we had a good start, much better than in the heats. But after it was tough, we tried to stay with the Germans, but it didn’t work. To win a medal is always good though.”

B-final

The race began with Poland in the lead and finished with Poland at the back of the field. After Poland’s initial lead, Italy moved out in front and held it with Russia and New Zealand challenging hard. Less than a second separated the top three boats at the finish of the race.

Results: ITA, RUS, NZL, POL