Women’s Quadruple Sculls (W4x) – Final

The Netherlands showed the best pace when they raced two days ago in the heats. They took silver at last year’s Olympic Games and also a silver at this year’s European Rowing Championships. But it was the winners of World Rowing Cup II, Poland who were the fastest off the start with Australia chasing hard. Poland’s crew of Kobus, Wieliczko, Springwald and Zillmann set a faster pace and moved towards the middle of the race still in the lead. Then the Netherlands started to pick their way through to the front of the field. They overtook Australia and tried to close on Poland.

The final sprint was coming into view and the Netherlands went to 39 with Poland holding on to the lead by rating 38. Behind them Australia One and the Olympic Champions German where neck-and-neck. Australia had earned the bronze medal by a second. Poland had held on to first and the Netherlands earned another silver.

Results: POL, NED, AUS1, GER, GBR, AUS2

Katarzyna Zillmann (s), Poland, gold
“We had a good start, the Dutch rushed us during the middle, so we had to respond and push. But we’re really happy with the result today and over the next few months our coach will tell us what to do to prepare for Sarasota.”

Nicole Beukers (s), Netherlands, silver
“It was a good race, we fought for it. It was sadly not enough today. We need to practice our starts, we have a good new sculling team after Rio.”

Caitlin Cronin (s), Australia, bronze
“It was a very good race, it is exciting to be in such a quality field. Three of us are now going to Bulgaria for the under 23s. Then we will go back to Australia to prepare for the world championships.”