Behind Schmid the field was tight through to the half way point. Then Schmid showed his extra gear and worked his way to an open water lead. Could Schmid sustain it until the end? In the final sprint France’s Damien Piqueras came flying down the outside at a 38 stroke rate pace. But the lead Schmid had built up was too great. Piqueras earned a very well-deserved silver with the silver medallist from the World Rowing Cup in Aiguebelette, Daniel Lawitzke of Germany, taking bronze.

Results: SUI1, FRA1, GER, GRE1, GBR, SLO1

Gold – SCHMID, Michael (SUI)

The race was stroke for stroke. After the start I didn’t want to get off too hard and get ahead of the others. In the body I used my marks and that put me ahead of the field. At the end there was a strong crowd and I was just pushed across the finish line.

Silver – PIQUERAS, Damien (FRA)

It was a very good race; I was very focused and had tunnel vision down the course. The last 500 I made a very high rate like a madman and when I crossed the line I didn’t know the results but I was really happy with them.

Bronze – LAWITZKE, Daniel (GER)

The race didn’t feel too good. It wasn’t the way I would have liked it to be. The water was hard with a little waves, things were getting in the way. Overall I am happy I got a medal. I am going to look for some mentoring for the rest of the season, looking to the championships in Amsterdam. I love Lucerne, this is my 5th time and this has been the most changeable in terms of weather conditions.