On the 26th and 27th of October 2024, the 53rd edition of the Northwave Asopos Autumn Competitions will take place on the Bosbaan in Amstelveen. Most novice rowers (C4 competition rowers) race for the first time during Asopos. The races are over 500 meters (sprint) while the DEj 8+ is 2000m. These rowers fight for the title of ‘Afroeikampioen van Nederland’. Most of these rowers have never rowed in a race before and are new to the association as they are often first-year university students. However, we can gauge an idea of who will win based on the club’s legacy and the club’s previous race results from Asopos 2023. Here are some of the most important races to watch this weekend:
DEj 8+
Firstly, the DEj 8+ (Women’s First Year eight) is rowed over 2000m. There are twelve teams racing this year: Argo, Euros, Gyas, Njord, Pelargos, Phocas, Proteus-Eretes, Saurus, Skøll, Thêta, Triton 1 and Triton 2. In the 2023 B-final, Argo finished first with a time of 7:34,73, followed by Orca Beuten at 7:40,72 (5.99 seconds slower than Argo). Orca Rouppe van der Voort followed closely with 7:42.76 (+8.03 seconds), making the top three strong. However, the B-final times were a lot slower than the A-final times last year. In the A-final, Gyas won in 7:15,95 which was very similar to their time in the heat. Skøll followed at 7:18.01 (+2.06), performing better than in their heat. Njord 2 placed third with 7:29.75 (+13.80), slower than their heat performance but still ahead of Njord 1, who finished in 7:32.09 (+16.14). The best-performing team overall was Gyas, as they consistently had the fastest times in both the heat and A-final. Their timings were also very consecutive, with 7:14,50 in their heat and 7:15,95 in the A-final. Out of the 2024 teams, I think Gyas will perform the best due to their previous results and the club’s strength. Skøll is also one to watch this year with their large selection of new rowers.
DEj 4*
Secondly, the DEj 4* (Women’s first year coxed quad). This race is mainly made up of first years doing lightweight women’s selection. There are eight teams rowing this year: Argo, Gyas, Pelargos, Phocas 1, Phocas 2, Proteus-Eretes, Saurus and Skøll. Last year in this race, the top three times qualified for the A-final and the remaining teams went to the B-final. In 2023, the A-final teams were faster with Gyas finishing 18,43 seconds (8:05,60) ahead of Orca Steinmaan (8:24,03). In the A-final, Gyas had a consistent lead with 3,94 seconds faster than Skøll. Skøll was 1.2 seconds faster than Phocas 1, a very close finish. I think Gyas have a strong chance of winning this year due to their previous and consistent successes in races last year at Asopos. However, Skøll is close behind and could be a strong challenger. Phocas also has two teams in this race, which shows that they have many women trying out for selection and, therefore, have more strategic options when deciding who goes in which boat. Phocas could be a team to watch!
DOnerv C4+.
Finally, the DOnerv C4+. This race has 142 teams and is a 500m sprint. In the Netherlands, within each rowing association, there are ‘jaarteams’ (year teams). This is where first-year students create small groups that they get to know to make friendships and try rowing together for the first time. Jaarteams often have no previous experience of rowing; some individuals never race again after Asopos, but it gives first-years a chance to see if they enjoy rowing! This will be the first time that these jaarteams will race competitively and it is an amiable race between the teams. There are multiple jaarteams from Argo, Asopos de Vliet, Euros, Gyas, Njord, Okeanos, Orca, Pelargos, Phocas, Proteus-Eretes, Saurus, Skøll and Triton. In 2023, Argo 1 was the strongest and most consistent team, winning both the semifinals and the A-final. Njord 1 was their closest challenger, with competitive times but always just behind. Argo won the A-final with a time of 1:59,67, and Njord 1 placed second with a time of 2:02,24. This year, the winning title could be taken by any team as no one has any rowing experience. This race is more for a fun and friendly experience, but I would like to see some intense racing from Argo, Njord and Skøll.
Overall, Gyas appears to be the strongest club across various events last year so they are a promising team to win. However, other clubs like Skøll, Phocas and Argo could also be great challengers in the 2024 Asopos Najaars race.
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