Naske defends title at German small boat championships

Many of the elites managed to defend their titles at the event, including the men’s single sculler Tim Ole Naske. The race was won from the start when Naske got out to a lead and managed to hold off any attempts from second-placed Stephan Krueger and Oliver Zeidler who as third.. Naske has had an impressive career since coming to the World Rowing scene as a junior in 2013 and winning the title in the men’s double sculls. Due to illness, he was unsure if he would compete this year.

“That was an absolute team effort today. Two months ago, I didn’t want to row this season and now I am German Champion,” said Naske. “I’ve been kept completely free in the last few weeks and I was able to prepare perfectly in the new training group and with a new coach. Technically, it wasn’t the best race, but I kept up and fought in the right moments.”

In the women’s single, Olympic Champion from the quadruple sculls, Annekatrin Thiele topped the podium. Thiele is coming off a successful 2017 season in the single after having been a key member of the German women’s quadruple sculls for many years. Thiele crossed the finish line with a nine-second lead over second place Carlotta Nwajide.

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“The race went as I had planned. However, there is still a little room for improvement, especially with wind. But I was able to improve from race to race and I am very satisfied,” said Thiele. 

In the men’s and women’s lightweight single sculls, two defending champions won their titles again. Jason Osborne, well-known internationally for his performance in the lightweight men’s double sculls managed to fend off attacks from competitors and cross the line well in the lead. Leonie Pless also got early control of the race and managed to deal best with the wind.

In the men’s pair, Richard Schmidt and Malte Jakschik defended their title. They have been staples in the successful German men’s eight and will look to be there again this year. Fellow teammates Johannes Weissenfeld and Torben Johannesen were hot on their tails, but the duo managed to hold them off in the final sprint to the line.

The women’s pair title went to Sophie Oksche and Alexandra Hoeffgen who dominated the field in the windy conditions.

Full results from the weekend of racing can be found here. 

Quotes thanks to the German Rowing Federation – full article here.