World Championships 2000
Zagreb, Croatia, at Lake Jarun, Friday 4th August 2000
Morning comments:
The weather is a little fresher today, quite a strong cross-tail at 8:30 am, and the forecast yesterday suggested that it would start warm and sunny, then towards the end of the day, cloud over and perhaps break with thunderstorms. No sign of them yet, but certainly reasonable rowing conditions to start with: if the mist burns off then the senior semi-finals will be pretty tortuous later in the morning. The wind's a little steadier than yesterday, fewer gusts, and on the course it looks to be quite a straight tail: this deep dug-out pond commonly has different conditions at water level from the top of the flagpoles.
Rachel Quarrell, Lake Jarun
Race reports:
Note: full result times on the FISA website RaceTracker (Java required).
Junior Men's Coxless Pair, JM2-
The first semi-final of the day went absolutely true to form, the Australian pair in charge of the pace from start to finish. Behind them the Polish pair were having quite a lot of trouble staying in their lane, and veered towards third-placed Belarus who were nearly overlapping them as they marched finish-wards. Not a real problem, and it didn't affect the outcome of the race, but not really very polite when you're ahead of them, boys. The B-final relegees, Canada, China and especially Croatia, weren't really in with a shout, as they clearly knew. AUS 6:39.57, POL 6:40.64, BLR 6:42.40 to the A final..
For the semi-final, the clear winners were going to be Italy, right from the start, so the only question was how hard the rest would fight for the other places. To an orchestrated chant in the grandstands, the Germans and Russians, who had moved ahead of the French pair, put in a surge to outwit each other for second. Although at one stage it looked as if the Russians would move through, the Germans responded magnificently, and took it up in time to claim second place, leaving Russia third. France couldn't keep up, and so go to the B final, while Austria and Bulgaria dribbled in ten and twenty lengths back respectively. ITA 6:33.20, GER 6:43.90, RUS 6:44.28 to the A final.
Junior Men's Coxless four, JM4-
In the first semi, the qualifying places were clear from just before half-way, as Germany's evident pace let them sweep to the front and hold position with confidence. Behind them the Belarussians and Australians stayed cagily alongside, a couple of lengths back, clearly eyeing each other, but two lengths to the good in the A final places. Canada were despondent in fourth, aware that they just didn't have the speed, and the rear was brought up by a scrappy fight for fifth place between the Portugese and the Croatians, won by the latter. GER 6:05.74, AUS 6:09.08, BLR 6:10.28 to the A final.
Italy again had the impetus in this race, but were challenged hard by first France and then South Africa. Out came the Italian yells from spectators again, and their four, rowing in the nearest lane, bunged up the rate desperately in an attempt to hold off defeat. But South Africa got through them by 400 to go, and now scented victory, sprinting for the line. The real story was a length back, though, where the Italian charge had pulled along the French and Slovenians, who were then nose to nose for the third A final place. Up went the rate, water flying everywhere, oarsmen's heads turning, and in the final scramble it was French success, squeezing Slovenia into fourth.. RSA 6:08.17, ITA 6:08.66, FRA 6:09.30 to the A final, SLO (6:09.61), CZE, CHN to the B final.
Junior Women's Single Sculls, JW1x
As often, these single sculls races can be decided early on, and this was no exception, ROM getting out to a useful lead but rapidly passed by ITA, who was then able to walk home watching the pack. Next through was DEN, leaving these three secure, but DEN put in an excellent late push to nearly give ITA a fright for first place. ITA 7:44.22, DEN 7:47.00, ROM 7:52.75 to the A final, CZE, ARG, PAR to the B final.
A different game here. The German took the first lead, and although never more than a length and a half up, held onto it grimly, against a Ukraine sculler who was pushed hard from behind by NZL. The rest were nowhere close. GER 7:40.95, UKR 7:44.28, NZL 7:44.47 to the A final, AUS, YUG, CRO to the B final.
Junior Men's Single Sculls, JM1x
A two-part race, this, with CZE, CHI and LTU so far ahead of BEL, HUN and HKG as to guarantee some washing down. From 750 to go the battle for the two qualification places was on in earnest, CZE hardening but not raising the rate, LTU upping to 37, and the Chilean sculler between them towed along slightly behind in all the excitement. Lithuania's sprint paid off, getting the top place by 0.2 seconds, and Chile couldn't quite find the power to keep up and claim second. LTU 7:04.49, CZE 7:04.69 to the A final, CHI, BEL to the B final, HUN, HKG to the C final.
The second semi-final in this batch of three was a corker, the only slow sculler being Germany, while the rest surged towards the line in a phalanx which could not be separated by more than a third of a length. Denmark's sculler had the most effective strokes, but then the Swiss sculler jumped the rate in a last bid for first, the Estonian blasted it for the final ten, and the Croatian sprinted like fury. Several minutes passed before the crude results came through from the photofinish, and it was CRO, DEN, SUI, EST, SVK, GER, but again a wait for the official times. CRO 7:05.65, DEN 7:05.72 to the A final, SUI (7:05.95), EST (7:06.44) to the B final, SVK (7:07.88) and GER (7:19.31) to the C final.
The third A/B/C semi-final gave the umpires and timers a rest after the last one, strung out as it was from one-third of the way down the course. Top qualifier was a confident Italian, looking inordinately relaxed, while behind him the Australian was watching the American like a hawk. USA put in a late challenge, but it was too late to manage anything spectacular. Final result ITA 7:05.50, AUS 7:10.12 to the A final, USA, UKR to the B final, CAN, RUS to the C final.
Now we're into the D/E semi-finals for this event, a little bit harder to get the crowd excited about these, much as they matter to the single scullers involved. Some kind of a delay, probably a false start, and while we wait there's press speculation about the lanes. We've had a bit of a suspicion about the outside lanes, particularly 1 and 2, being better than the middle, and a few crews are having a good time in the 6th lane too. The wind has reversed direction and is now cross-head from the other direction, so that may explain matters. Anyway, in this race, Slovenia's sculler was able to stay calm, ahead of YUG and NOR for the three places to the D final. CYP, ROM, MKD to the E final, with Romania grazing the buoys on his strokeside for at least 400 metres.
The last JM1x is snailing towards the grandstand, with the Pole in the lead, and then a batch of three trying for the last two places. GEO making a great effort and closing hard on JPN and SWE ahead, but can't quite do it. POL, JPN, SWE to the D final, GEO, NED to the E final.
Junior Women's Double Sculls, JW2x
The repechage girls don't have much of a chance in this semi, with GRE, BUL, LAT a hundred metres up on the rest. The Bulgarians are the most impressive, and Greece and Latvia keep pace for the last two splits, Greece just trying a quick push at the end which brings them an assured second place. BUL 7:13.31, GRE 7:17.49, LAT 7:20.30 to the A final, ITA, SLO, NED to the B final.
No contest in this race either, and although GER challenge POL at 750 gone, the Poles move progressively away and are well clear by the end. Another gap to the Ukraine, who started fast but couldn't maintain it, then the remaining boats cross one by one. DEN 7:07.05, GER 7:11.11, UKR 7:15.17 to the A final, FRA, POL, CHN to the B final.
Junior Men's Double Sculls, JM2x
GBR in the lead by half-way, holding off a pacy German double, with the Czechs coming up on the outside. Three crews in contention for the two top spots, and now Argentina looking very dangerous after a relatively slow start. All these four lifting to 37 with 300 to go, ARG coming through in the middle as the Germans fade badly, the Brits moving away again now, as ARG break CZE, successfully taking the second A final place after a brilliantly timed row. GBR 6:25.21, ARG 6:25.96, CZE 6:26.55 to the A final, GER, UKR and NOR to the B final.
ITA, CRO and SLO the early leaders in this race, but with Canada stalking closely behind. Italy and Croatia move away from the rest, so the race is on for third, Canada now through the Slovenians, and looking good. Suddenly with 200 metres to go, they catch a boatstopping crab and halt, letting Slovenia pick up pace, and Belarus take heart in lane one. That changes the last four places completely, even as Canada try and get back together again, and it's ITA 6:28.93, Cro 6:30.54, SLO 6:33.47 to the A final, BLR, GRE, CAN to the B final.
C/D semi-finals now, and the first of them has the Chinese double outstripping the rest of the race by 50 metres plus. Spain and Denmark follow them into the C final, leaving Cyprus to the D final.
Second race was a chance for the disappointed Australian double to make good, but while they led, it was not impressive, and they allowed Latvia to come back strongly at the finish to take second within half a length. Yugoslavia took the last C final place, leaving USA and RSA fourth and fifth.
Junior Women's Quad Sculls, JW4x
What started out as a close field spread steadily, Germany keeping just a length ahead of Norway in the first two places, and Poland successfully dispiriting the other three crews and holding onto third place. GER 6:38.25, NOR 6:40.77, POL 6:42.41 to the A final, CHN, AUS, ESP to the B final.
Another clear leader, this time Belarus, who were able to tap it along at 30 well clear of NED and CZE rowing a little harder. Another length back RUS and ROM were vying for the fourth, but unable to get close enough to give them any chance of going through. BLR 6:39.09, NED 6:44.15, CZE 6:46.31 to the A final, RUS, ROM, JPN to the B final.
Junior Men's Quad Sculls, JM4x
The first semi-final proper in this large event, and the Germans in lane 4 once again make it look easy. Netherlands are only a length and a bit behind, but are not using their finishes well, and there's no doubt about the order, with Ukraine clearly third in the inside lane. GER 6:00.34, NED 6:03.18, UKR 6:04.10, CRO, SWE, SUI to the B final.
They've had to restart this race, not entirely clear why, but probably a false start. Second try cleanly away, and it's an early lead to the Italians, followed by France and Slovenia, the French moving quickly past Italy during their 500-metre push, and holding it from then on. At 1500 metres, though, CZE put in a phenomenal surge, and move up into third, following SLO as the Italians blow badly and can't keep their finishes in any more. France still in front but now having to lift it to the end to hold off the cheeky Slovenians, who have managed to raise their rate just enough to get past the Czechs. FRA 5:56.29, SLO 5:59.42, CZE 5:59.65 to the A final, ITA, POL, GRE to the B final.
C/D semi's again. Much to the relief of everyone, the organisers have discovered another source of bottled water, so crews are thrown fresh bottles as they finish. The wind is dropped a little now, but when it's out, makes conditions much fresher. With Norway out of this race into the D final, BUL, JPN and ESP cruise over in the C final positions, close together but not needing to put the foot to the floor.
Another four-boat race, this time a lot tighter, a length covering all four. Russia first by a third of a length, Australia reasonably sure in second, and then Estonia's last-ditch attempt to beat Hungary for third failing by just 0.45 seconds.
Men's Coxed Four, M4+
From 1500, the Brits leading at a steady 36, by less than a length from the Czechs, but with France sneaking up a couple of lanes away. The Czechs start to push it, responding to the French, and the Brits begin the final lifts, but they're not in any way panicked. The French assault begins to take effect, and with the other three crews in the race well back, it's a battle to get the best lane in the final, no worries about qualifying. CZE scramble, to no avail, as the French get their bowball in front, just, with a speedy rate-41 burst. GBR 6:09.14, FRE 6:11.18, CZE 6:11.84 to the A final, ITA, UKR, CRO to the B final.
The USA leading this one from 1200 metres after a dreadful start, again the crews are pretty tightly bunched behind them, but the Americans aren't particularly threatened by 1500 metres, and can cruise at 35, although they are making it harder for themselves by rowing rather stolidly, missing inches on the catch. Russia, the quickest starters, languish at the back with Denmark, continuing to slip behind, while GER successfully slips through ROM into second place. Now ROM and GER lift the rate, which puts the Americans under a bit more pressure, and the Germans look as if they are holding on through sheer efficiency, refusing to rate higher but successfully matching the Romanians stroke for stroke. USA 6:11.84, GER 6:14.30, ROM 6:14.55 to the A final, NED, DEN, RUS to the B final.
Men's Lightweight Coxless Pair, LM2-
A battle of pride for Canada and Italy, leading the field home but certain of their final spots. After being a little slower off the mark, Canada had pushed solidly through Italy early on, and then could hold position until the final sprint. Here it became personal, and the two pairs broke slightly further away from the field as they raced for first place. The Dutch rallied late to go with them, Canada securing their win with a good final 250, and Italy having to settle for second. CAN 6:38.84, ITA 6:40.75, NED 6:42.15 to the A final, GER, YUG, SWE to the B final.
The second semi-final had the Brits leading at the 500 to go mark, and sustaining this through the next 1000 metres, but rating a choice 37.5 and rising as they came to the last split marker. That might be something to do with the Danes, who had stalked along a cool length behind. They then jumped it to 40 in the last 200, having already sneaked into a canvas overlap, and got the GBR stroke's head ducking sideways to check how fast they were moving. Up went the British rate again close to the line, just to make sure, and it was GBR 6:40.35, DEN 6:41.16, POL 6:44.41 to the A final, FRA, GRE, HUN to the B final.
Women's Lightweight Single Sculls, LW1x
Poland in lane six streaked out ahead of the closely-matched sculls of Germany and Croatia, but were swiftly overtaken by the USA and Finland, making up for a slowish start. Finland then attacked the USA, successfully barging through, and Germany moved further ahead of Poland. By the final stretch the Finn had the race in the bag, and Germany was challenging the USA for second, which didn't quite work, according to the quick results - it went to a photofinish to be confirmed. FIN 7:40.19, USA 7:46.55, GER 7:46.74 to the A final, CRO, SWE, POL to the B final.
The second race saw Brit Tracy Langlands in the nearside lane half a length up by mid-way, ahead of Sinead Jennings, the Irish sculler and ex-triathlete (from Scotland!). But IRL was pushing back hard, and took the lead with 650 to go. NED and CZE were meanwhile arguing over third place a couple of lengths back. As the last few hundred metres unrolled, GBR faded despite a quick burst, the Dutch sculler came through to second, and CZE could not summon enough to grab a spot in the final. IRL 7:48.09, NED 7:52.54, GBR 7:52.82 to the A final, CZE, ITA, ZIM to the B final.
Men's Lightweight Single Sculls, LM1x
Mano a mano for the Irish and Czech scullers in this race, the Czech getting the best of it from 1600 metres in. A couple of lengths back, SVK had to keep a sharp eye on NZL, with three to go through to the top final. CZE 7:03.37, IRL 7:04.45, SVK 7:10.90 to the A final, NZL, USA, SUI to the B final.
Slightly more even spacing in the second race, led by Italy and with the defending champion Dane initially also looking fast, then being passed by first the Finn and then the Hungarian. As they approach 500 metres to go, the latter is coming up fast on the outside, going into first place with the Pole following, Italy battling furiously to stave off Finland not far behind. A photofinish, and the result HUN 7:15.15, POL 7:16.76, ITA 7:18.28 to the A final, FIN (7:19.57), BEL, DEN to the B final.
C/D semi-final number one and the wind has gone to cross-head and quite light now, the conditions swirling all the time at the finish. At 1500 metres, the Brit is well out in front, watching a reasonably close scrap between Spain, Germany and Chile for second. Chile was the first to yield, leaving it GBR, ESP, GER to the C final, CHIL, SLO, CRO to the D final.
A rather more leisurely paddle for the leaders in the second C/D semi, Russia and France scooping it along at 30 until the last 100 metres, Bulgaria solidly in third and the rest academic. RUS, FRA, BUL to the C final, YUG, POR, VEN to the D final.
Women's Lightweight Quad Sculls, LW4x
A very fast German quad had the initiative in this semi-final, with the Chinese quad, dropped a couple of lengths back in second. Towards the end Austria came storming back, Denmark trying to keep pace with them, but it was the Austrians who got the last place in the final. GER 6:56.20, CHN 7:00.06, AUT 7:02.95 to the A final, DEN, IRL, RUS to the B final.
The second semi-final kicked off with the USA going into the lead, JPN and AUS close behind. As the race unfolded, Australia and Japan came through the Americans, then GBR pushed back into third position at the 1500 marker. The top four crews very close together as they come to the last 250, all at 36 or higher, now with the Japanese pushing Australia hard for the top place. GBR increasing the rate again, staying almost clear of the USA who are in fourth, and Australia nip it up one more time to take first place, nullifying the Japanese attack. AUS 6:58.48, JPN 6:59.42, GBR 7:00.85 to the A final, USA, NED, ITA to the B final.
Men's Lightweight Quad Sculls, LM4x
These two races promised much, as the heats and repechages were feisty affairs. After a few hundred metres however, Italy, Spain and Japan were well clear of the rest, and this continued for the bulk of the course. Just after the third marker, Japan came thundering strongly through the Italians, who had nothing left to respond with, letting the Spanish also break them with ease. JPN 6:02.69, ESP 6:05.93, ITA 6:07.25 to the A final, SWE, HUN, USA to the B final.
In the second race, we can just make out the fuzzy commentator yelling about the Germans looking good, but the Austrians are dogging their footsteps, and the Danes aren't too far back. Coming into the final stretch the Portugese, who have been creeping back, give it a try in lane one, a fantastic surge which brings them within feet of the two leaders and within inches of the Danes. The four boats cross the line as a wedge, with the result being GER 6:04.98, AUT 6:05.95, DEN 6:06.25 to the A final, POR (6:06.97), NED, IRL to the B final.