Women’s Four (W4-) – Final

Australia and Russia won their respective heats earlier in the week and they met for the first time today at this regatta. Australia had the fastest qualifying time and had finished with gold to Russia’s silver at World Rowing Cup III in July. But it was the Netherlands who were the fastest at the start. The Dutch crew are also racing in the eight at this regatta. Today they were leading over the United States who came to this final, like the Dutch, through the repechage. Meanwhile Australia and Russia sat at the back of the field.

The Dutch still had the lead at the half way point. But there was very little in it over the entire field with just two seconds separating the entire field. Poland now came up to challenge the Netherlands with Russia beginning to move. Coming through the 1500m mark Lanz, Jorristsma, van Veen and Rustenburg of the Netherlands held a slight margin. In the final sprint Australia went for gold. Rating 43 they overtook the field as the Dutch began to die holding a 37 stroke rate. The United States, Poland and Russia were neck-and-neck. In a tight finish Australia took gold with Poland snatching silver and Russia earning bronze.

Results: AUS, POL, RUS, USA, NED, CHN

B-final

Canada and Great Britain had the fastest times coming through from the repechages earlier in the week and at the start of the race Great Britain was moving out in front. Canada tried to hold on but by the middle of the race Great Britain was looking rather comfortable out in front. As Canada held a close tussle with New Zealand and Italy, Great Britain continued to stride away. A sprint to the line saw Great Britain win with Italy, New Zealand and Canada in a photo finish. Italy had finished second by a bow ball.

Results: GBR, ITA, CAN, NZL, ROU, FRA