2006 Rowing World Cup season about to begin

Cool, calm conditions are allowing teams from nearly 50 countries to get in some solid pre-regatta training.

Germany has turned out in full force with the highest number of entries but they are closely followed by China which includes a statuesque men’s eight. China has chosen to emphasise the eight leading up to the Beijing Olympics and shortly a reality show will hit Chinese television (CCTV) to find the best coxswain. Munich will be the first testing ground.

This World Cup is being used by a number of countries to help towards the selection of final crews for this year’s World Rowing Championships. Australia have come the distance with a large contingent which includes the men’s and women’s eights which will break down into pairs for a second race.

Racing begins with heats on Thursday, 25 May at 8:30am CET and, due to the large number of entries, racing will continue at six minute intervals, going through repechages and quarter finals and finishing at 8:00pm.

Friday, 26 May opens with the lesser finals, the remainder of repechages and an afternoon of semi-finals. The regatta concludes with finals which begin at 10:00am on Saturday, 27 May and live streaming of the A-finals can be viewed outside of Europe via this website (for USD$4.95). European countries can view it via the Eurosport website; www.eurosport.com  

Munich’s Olympic rowing course will turn into the venue for next year’s World Rowing Championships.

For a complete list of entries and race details click here.