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Would this race continue the comeback of the Swiss. Switzerland rowed in the A-final at the London Olympics and then split the crew up to race in smaller boats for the last two seasons. Back together they led the way at the start in a very tightly packed race. But at the half way point China1 got their nose in front with Switzerland’s Schuerch, Gyr, Tramer and Niepmann fighting back. China2 was right with the two frontrunners as the final sprint came into view.  China2 of Zhao, Zeng, Yu and Jin took their stroke rate to 42 and closed on Switzerland and China1.

Switzerland was ready and reacted, so did China1. The top three crews crossed the finish line separated by less than a second. Switzerland had successfully defended the gold medal that they won at the Bled International Regatta. China2 had taken silver and China1 won bronze.

Results: SUI, CHN2, CHN1, GER, NED, ESP

Gold – Mario Gyr – Switzerland

A few weeks ago I had to go to the emergency room to have surgery on my kidney. So I am very happy even to be able to do sports. But then to win is just amazing.

B-final

The Czech Republic by far had the fastest time of these boats in yesterday’s heats and they got out the quickest in this B-final. Rather unusual in lightweight rowing, the Czechs managed to earn a handy advantage by the middle of the race. Hajek, Kopac, Vrastil and Humpolec of the Czech Republic crossed the line comfortably ahead of the rest of the field by a full six seconds.

Results: CZE, POL, CHI, TUR, AUT, UZB