Men’s Quadruple Sculls (M4x) – Final

Rumour had it that the crew to watch out for was Lithuania. But it was Italy that had a very quick start with Great Britain then showing their early speed. Lithuania recorded the fastest time in the heats two days ago with Great Britain being the next fastest. The British got to the first 500m mark in the lead, but only just over a second separated the entire field. At the World Rowing Cup last month the British won with the Netherlands in second. Lithuania did not race there but were the European Championship winners.

Then Lithuania put on the pressure and moved into first, breaking away from the field. In the final sprint Lithuania held a strong 38 stroke rate. Great Britain tried to hold on and got their stroke rate into the low 40s. Poland and New Zealand were flying for the finish line. Poland grabbed the bronze with New Zealand missing out by just half a second.

Results: LTU, GBR, POL, NZL, ITA, NED

Saulius Ritter, Lithuania, gold
“The feeling was great today, it was very important for us to check all the possibilities to decide what to race next. I really enjoy racing in the quad, we are a strong team. Everyone gives 100% strength at every training.”

Jack Beaumont (b) Great Britain, silver
“It wasn’t what we wanted today, but finals are always going to be tough at a world cup, especially in the second fastest boat. I am really pleased with our consistency of medals. During the race, we were level with the Lithuanians, but didn’t have the horse power towards the end.”

Dominik Czaja, Poland, bronze
“It was a tough race, the head wind is not so good for us. The other boats had a stronger finish. We are a strong team of six guys for the double and the quad.”

B-final

The French only just missed out on making the a-final in yesterday’s repechage and they were the first to show today in the b-final. But margins were tight and France would have to keep the speed on to remain in front. Through the middle of the race Norway kicked up the pace and closed on France. Norway finished third last month at World Rowing Cup II and they had got their boat into the lead with 500m left to row. France fought back. In a tight finish France had won.

Results: FRA, NOR, GER, EST, USA, INA