Repechages
No huge surprises here; Poland dominated their LW2x heat, China and Switzerland progressed as expected in the W4x and Germany rowed down Switzerland in the M4x.Â
Men’s Eight – Heats
A lot has been made about the USA eight, who ran world champions from Great Britain close at the second World Rowing Cup in late May. Their heat was a tricky one to navigate and featured world silver medalists from the Netherlands plus reigning Olympic silver medalists from Germany. The Americans were not to be overawed though, leading from the off and responding impressively to everything the Dutch threw at them. Their progression to the A-final is assured whilst the Netherlands, Germany and Romania will race in the repechage.
 If the Americans controlled their heat, then Great Britain obliterated theirs. They were almost a length clear at halfway and were able to wind down 100m before the line, leaving gears and hail-marys in the closet for an Olympic final on Saturday. This was a world champion performance. Behind them, the new-look Australia crew are still not firing as the sum of their considerable parts, unable to hold on to the British rocket-ship. Italy were brave in the opening 500m but failed to make a serious dent.Â
Women’s Eight – Heats
Great Britain continued their fine form in the eights to dismantle the Canadian Olympic champions in Heat One. This crew were fourth in the world in 2023 but will have their sights set altogether higher after an impressive opening race. Australia’s improving eight finished second and will race the repechage.
Romania’s frantic doubling-up schedule is showing no signs of abating, as their world champion eight dominated Heat Two ahead of the USA and Italy.
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