World Rowing Cup III heads to Lucerne for season finale

The 2026 World Rowing Cup series heads towards an exciting conclusion at World Rowing Cup III, taking place from 26–28 June in Lucerne, Switzerland. With 42 nations, more than 650 athletes and over 275 crews entered, the final regatta of the series promises three days of high-level racing across Olympic, International, and Para Rowing boat classes.

Lucerne, one of rowing’s most iconic venues, will once again provide the stage for a deep and competitive field as crews compete for the 2026 World Rowing Cup trophy. Racing will follow the traditional World Rowing Cup format, with heats progressing through to semi-finals to medal finals across all events.

The United States arrive in Lucerne leading the overall World Rowing Cup standings, following a strong performance at World Rowing Cup II in Plovdiv.

This year’s entries highlight particularly strong competition in the men’s single sculls, which has attracted the largest field of the regatta. Among those entered is reigning Olympic Champion Oliver Zeidler of Germany, who will be challenged by a high-calibre international field including the Netherlands’ Simon van Dorp and Melvin Twellaar, who both competed together in the men’s double in Seville at the 2026 World Rowing Cup I, as well as a range of emerging scullers who have shown speed across the early World Cup regattas.

In the women’s single sculls, a compelling clash is set to unfold between reigning World Champion Fiona Murtagh of Ireland and reigning Olympic Champion Karolien Florijn of the Netherlands. They will be joined by Great Britain’s Lauren Henry, who arrives in form after her victory at the 2026 World Rowing Cup I in Seville. The field is further strengthened by experienced competitors such as Australia’s Tara Rigney and rising talent from across Europe, ensuring one of the most competitive races of the weekend.

Across the programme, all 12 Olympic boat classes will be contested alongside a selection of International and Para Rowing events. Para Rowing will again be featured in the World Rowing Cup III schedule, reflecting the continued integration of para disciplines at key international regattas.

Racing will begin on Friday morning and build throughout the weekend, with finals set for Saturday and Sunday.

As the final stop of the World Rowing Cup series, crews will also be competing for overall points standings — a title that Great Britain currently holds from their performances across 2025 World Cup season. Points are awarded in each Olympic boat class based on finishing position, with the highest-placed boat earning eight points, followed by six points for second place, five for third, and continuing down to one point for seventh place. These results will determine the overall series winners at the conclusion of racing in Lucerne.

With strong international representation, Olympic and World Champions in action, and crucial ranking points at stake, World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne is set to deliver a fitting finale to the 2026 series.