By the middle of the race Delayre and Azou had a small lead over Italy’s Pietro Ruta and Andrea Micheletti. Ruta and Micheletti were fourth at last year’s World Rowing Championships and then scored another fourth at the European Rowing Championships in May. The Italians then closed on the French with World Champions, Norway in hot pursuit.

As the field closed up in the final sprint, Delayre and Azou kept the pressure on and a wary eye on the charging Italians. Italy had their stroke rate at 39 and were keeping a wary eye on World Champions, Kristoffer Brun and Are Strandli of Norway. At the line the French retained their 2014 winning streak, Italy moved into the medals and Norway matched their bronze medal from the World Rowing Cup in Aiguebelette.

Results: FRA, ITA, NOR, SUI, GBR, CZE


Gold – DELAYRE, Stany (FRA)

It was a very strong race, like two years ago against the Canadians. I saw the Italians come up strong but didn’t panic. I didn’t tell Jeremie. This was a very controlled race. We are very happy with this third win and feel very at home here in Lucerne.

Silver – MICHELETTI, Andrea (ITA)

We made a good effort. We came in fourth at the European Championships, and we really value the medal that we got. It was a big effort to get this medal and we think the French are fast but we have proven that we can be strong in the last part of the race.

Bronze – BRUN, Kristoffer (NOR)

Taking the Swiss in the last part of the race was revenge from yesterday I guess. We normally have a great last 750m but it was actually not so great today. Hopefully we can do more damage in Amsterdam.

B-Final

The Dutch twins, Tycho and Vincent Mudo got out of the starting blocks quickly with Germany One and Canada chasing hard. Greece then got in on the act and overtook the Germans. The Germans fought back. Despite this battle between Germany and Greece, the Dutch remained in the lead.

Results: NED, GER1, GRE, HUN, CAN, DEN