October in the Netherlands can only mean one thing: it’s time for the Asopos again. For many years, it has been the first race for novice rowers. Even though not all clubs participate anymore—well-known absentees include Skadi, Aegir, Laga, and Nereus—it remains an essential benchmark for many clubs. It provides the first glimpse of what the clubs will bring to the freshman rankings in the coming year.
HEj8+
At the Asopos Najaars Regatta, there is no distinction between lightweight and heavyweight categories. For this reason, many clubs enter two boats in this field. Looking at the rowers, Okeanos stands out as an exceptionally experienced crew. With no less than three rowers who participated in last year’s freshman rankings and a junior rower, they have filled their boat with 50% experience. It will be interesting to see whether they outperform clubs focusing more on new talent, such as Triton and Njord, who have invested more in developing new talent. Proteus and Theta are clubs to watch, coming from cities where more men typically attend university. Both clubs are entering three boats, although Proteus’s boats seem partially supplemented by coaches. Finally, there are Phocas and Skøll, two clubs that have performed very well in the freshman rankings in recent years since the appointment of their new professional coaches. It will be exciting to see how the different teams develop!
HOnervC4+
Now for the main event at the Asopos Regatta: the Men’s Novice C4+, which is a 500-meter race. Although for experienced rowers, this may feel like a sprint, this distance can be quite long in this field. Still, some of these rowers already show their talent in this race. Clubs from cities with traditionally more male rowers often have an advantage in this competition. For instance, Proteus frequently wins this category. Some crews are already labelled as ‘selection’ teams, so expectations for them will be higher. It’s also worth mentioning that, alongside the major student rowing clubs, Boreas (from Zwolle) is again entering a C4+ crew this year. They will likely try to make the most of their underdog position.
All in all, there is plenty to look forward to this weekend. Will the heavyweight rowers prove that their strength is greater, or will the technique of the lightweight rowers work to their advantage? Who should we be keeping an eye on for the Dutch Indoor Rowing Championships this coming December?
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