The 2024 World Rowing Cup III is taking place in Poznan, Poland this weekend, marking the conclusion of the World Rowing Cup series. On the second day of racing, the first medals were awarded, and the line-ups for Sunday’s Olympic and Paralympic A-Finals were finalized. Germany is currently leading the medal table with three medals of each color.
Jasmina Bier from Germany secured the first gold medal in the PR2 W1x category by defeating Mexico’s Angeles Gutierrez. Her teammate, Paul Umbach, won a bronze medal in the PR2 M1x race. The gold in this category went to Dutchman Corne de Koning. Ireland’s Tiarnan O’Donnell and Steven McGowan also put up a strong performance. Jonathan Rommelmann from Germany took home the silver in the lightweight men’s single sculls.
Switzerland’s Raphael Ahumada Ireland’s last-minute injury resulted in Jan Schaeuble stepping in and winning the lightweight men’s single sculls. Austria’s Lukas Reim finished third in this race. The lightweight women’s single sculls race saw Mexican sculler Kenia Lechuga winning the bronze, while French sculler Aurelie Morizot clinched the gold.
In the morning session, repechages and semifinals took place. The women’s fours competition was intense, with Great Britain’s women’s four securing a spot in the A-Final. Martha Birtles from Great Britain expressed excitement about making it to the final, highlighting the development crew’s journey.
George Bourne from Great Britain finished third in the men’s single sculls semifinal and emphasized the importance of luck in the competition. The men’s and women’s double sculls races were closely contested, with New Zealand’s Jordan Parry and Robbie Manson narrowly winning their race.
As the competition heads into the final day, the battle for the overall winner of the 2024 World Rowing Cup intensifies. Great Britain is closing in on the leaders, the Netherlands, who initially had a ten-point lead. The stage is set for an exciting finale on Sunday, with all eyes on the ultimate prize.