ENTRIES

What dates are the 2025 WRICH?

The 2025 WRICH will take place over two weekends; 15-16 February, and 22-23 February.

When will the entries for the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2 (WRICH) open?

Entries will be open from 15 November 2024 until 20 January 2025.

Is the WRICH open to anyone?

All ages, experience levels, and abilities can enter and log a time to try to qualify for the Continental Knockout Heats.

Can international competitors enter?

Of course. Entry is not limited to any category or ability.

Can competitors enter more than one event?

Competitors can partake in as many events as they would like – from the 500m sprint races, to the endurance and sprint relays, as well as the 2000m races. The full list of events is available on worldrowing.com

Can I make changes to my entry once I have paid?

You will need to contact us directly to make a change once entered.

I can no longer compete. Can I get a refund?

Once you make an entry, it is final.

What if I don’t make it past the Continental Knockout Heats? Am I really paying 50 Euros to race only once?

If you do not make the Continental Knockout Keats top 150 (plus top 10 from every age category), you will get a refund of €40. Your maximum outlay in the case of needing to withdraw will be €10.

Do I need a passport to be able to enter?

No. If you do not hold a valid passport, you can enter with a National Identity Card (the card must have a photo of you).

What is the difference between a team (group) and a relay team?

There is no difference – these are the same thing.

How do I enter a relay team?

Entries in relay events are made in just the same way as all other entries.

What are the junior categories?

As per the World Rowing rules for indoor rowing, the categories are: Under 17, 17-18, 19-20 etc. The full category list is available in the athlete information guide.

Is there a maximum age possible?

There is no maximum age. The highest age category is 80+ years.

Para Racing: Do I need to be classified?

At the 2025 WRICH, you need to have either a World Rowing or national classification sports class.

If you do not have either a WR or National classification but would like to participate, you are still welcome to participate. For the first time ever, we will run a Para Open category, which is open to any athlete of any impairment who is able to solve classify their ability. More information will be enclosed in the Competitor information guide for the WRICH.

RACING

What Indoor Rowing machines can I use to compete in the 2025WRICH?

You must compete on a Concept2 static ergometer (PM3 or later).

I’ve raced at the WRICH virtually before, but had to race in the middle of the night due to where I live in the world. Will that be the case in 2025?

The Continental Knockout Heats will have three time slots for racing (indicative at this stage):

Asia & Oceania: 06:00 – 09:00hrs CET

Africa & Europe: 11:00 – 15:00hrs CET

Americas: 16:00 – 18:00hrs CET

If you make it beyond the Continental Knockout Heats, all competitors will be racing on the same schedule to fit in to the Live Broadcast.

What resistance does the rowing machine need to be on while racing?

You can race with any resistance setting you wish that best suits your abilities.

I haven't got my race info yet?

The competitor information guide will be available shortly. If you progress to the Continental Knockout Heats you will be sent immediately the Finalists Guide with all the information related to racing.

What are the maximum weights for the lightweight category?

Lightweight competitors are defined as male rowers weighing ≤75kg and female rowers weighing ≤61.5kg. Lightweights must complete weigh-ins before each race attempt. If 2 rounds of an events are held on the same day (for example semifinal and final), you must weigh in prior to the 1st round that day.

What happens if I am entered into a lightweight race, and I don’t make weight on the event day?

You will not be able to race in that event.

When will the final race schedule be made available?

Once entries close on 20 January 2025, the start list will be available a few days after that. You will be sent directly the information if you qualify for the continental knockout heats phase.

How much time is there between events?

On the Sundays of the Elimination Semifinals and Grand Finals, there will be a minimum of two hours between each round.

What is the relay format?

Sprint relays involve 4 athletes racing a minimum once per person. For the Sprint relays, most teams race 4 x 500 metres. 1 x 500m each. However, if you wish you are able to change more often and race 8 x 250m.

Endurance Relays are over 5,000m, with 4 athletes. Each athlete must race once. Strategy will be important as to how many changes you make. Changes are unlimited.

Does anti-doping testing take place at WRICH?

Yes, as an official World Championship, athletes who are on the registered testing pool list (or any other athlete) are liable to out of competition testing at any time, or in competition testing as per WADA guidelines.

What happens if I miss my race?

If you miss your event online, you will not be able to race. However if your connection drops out and comes back in again, it may be possible we can retrace your time. More information will be outlined in the Finalists Guide distributed in January 2025.

What are the race categories?

The race categories are described above and will be outlined further in the athletes information guide. All Open and age categories as per the world rowing rules will be available. 500m and 2,000m races will be available. A wide range of new relay events will be run in 2025. These include: Masters, universities, and a Services relay (open to any full or part time serving member of the military, paramedics, police and fire bigrade, or Coast Guard for example).

Will I get a medal if I finish in the top 3?

Following the completion of the Grand Finals, medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in every age category (by time), even if athletes do not advance past the World Open Heats. The Grand Final top 3 will receive a medal.

Will I get a ranking?

Regardless of whether you make the Grand Final or not, all Competitors from World Open Heats to Grand Final, will be ranked globally, continentally, and by their age group. You will receive a link to download and publicise your achievements on various social media platforms.

2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2

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