The podium of the lightweight women's single sculls at the 2014 World Rowing Cup II Aiguebelette, FRA
Aiguebelette, FRA

The confident Edward got into the lead at the start and never looked back. By the half way point Edward had broken free leaving a very tight battle going on behind her between China’s Dandan Pan and Ruth Walczak of Great Britain. Walczak finished third earlier this month at the European Championships and she was making sure Pan did not get the better of her.

In the sprint to the line Edward continued in the lead with a 37 stroke rate finish. Walczak pulled out an enormous sprint to close on Edward with Pan finding the pace a bit too much. Edward had won her first international medal in the single.

Results: NZL, GBR, FRA, GER2, DEN

Gold – Julia Edward (NZL)

I’m exhausted – but it all went according to plan. I knew that if I had a good start I could stay with them because the field is fast in the first 500. I may have pushed a bit too hard because I feel like I slowed down towards the end but I hung in there!

Silver – Ruth Walczak (GBR)

It’s the final so everyone gives everything they’ve got. I was really sprinting for the line and giving it 100%, and whether you finish first, second or third that’s all you can ask for.

B-final

Germany’s Lena Mueller knows about winning medals, but this regatta wasn’t her best. Mueller won silver at the European Championships in the lightweight double then moved to the single for this regatta. By the middle of the race Mueller had the lead and outpaced Maia Simmonds of Australia all of the way to the line.

Results: GER1, AUS, AUT, HKG, ALG1, IRI