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Olympic Champions, Great Britain had by far the fastest time in the heats two days ago. They won their heat while the Olympic silver medallists, Australia won the other heat. These two crews met for the first time this season – both boats containing just one member from their Rio crew. Australia had the most speed at the start with Germany also strong. At 44 strokes Australia took the lead. Great Britain finished fifth at the European Rowing Championships last month and this result meant a crew change. Australia was now striding away at 39 strokes per minute as the British momentum began to build.

Australia got to the half way point first with Great Britain now in second but over three seconds back. Australia and Great Britain had now completely broken away from the rest of the field. There was 500m to go and Great Britain had narrowed the gap over Australia, but the gap was still there. Australia went to 39 and then 40 as they reacted to the 40 stroke per minute sprint by Great Britain. Then Great Britain went to 44, but they had run out of water. Joshua Hicks, Jack Hargreaves, Spence Turrin and Alexander Hill had won.

Results: AUS, GBR, GER, FRA, CZE, ARG