136680_12-LG-HD

A–Final

Rajko Hrvat of Slovenia was in the mid-50s at the start of this race, but it was Peter Galambos of Hungary that was the quickest to the first 500m mark. Following was Poland’s Artur Mikolajczewski who recorded the fastest qualifying time from yesterday’s semifinals. At the half way point, three scullers were neck-and-neck with Galambos just a tiny fraction in front of Mikolajczewski and Italy’s Martino Goretti.

In the third 500, Mikolajczewski did a piece that brought him level to Galambos. Last year’s silver medallist, Goretti now seemed to be under threat from Croatia. The sprint was on. Hrvat went first and was at 40 strokes per minute. Mikolajczewski had pushed back just ahead of Galambos. Galambos then went to 40 for the last 200m and managed to get ahead of the Pole. Could Mikolajczewski do anything? Hungary had won.

Results: HUN, POL, ITA, CRO, GBR, SLO

Peter Galambos, Hungary, Gold
“I am really pleased! I’ve been at the front of the Lightweight Men’s Single Sculls for a while but I’ve never won a European Rowing Championship. Today I made sure I was in the lead and was pleased I could defend any attacks.”

Artur Mikolajczewski, Poland, Silver
“I expected gold today but I know Galambos and Goretti and both very strong. We are all very close in performance. My legs gave out in the last little bit but it was a good race.”

Martino Goretti, Italy, Bronze
“I was feeling very good in my performance coming into this race. I think I could have had a faster race time, but my plan was to save enough to build during the race. I’m very happy with the result. 

Click here to see the full race

B-final

Serbia’s Milos Stanojevic, 33, led the way and still had the lead with half the race gone. Switzerland’s Jan Schaeuble came through in second. With the crowd behind him Schaeuble moved into the lead. Schaeuble raced at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships last year and has a big career in front of him. He held the lead through to the end.

Results: SUI, GER, SRB, TUR, NOR, POR