Philipp Grebner (b), Jonathan Rommelmann _
Philipp Grebner (b), Jonathan Rommelmann (s), Germany, Gold, Berend Mortier (b), Daan Klomp (s), Netherlands, Silver, Antonio Vicino (b), Lorenzo Galano (s), Italy, Bronze, Lightweight Men's Double Sculls, 2015 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Germany clocked the fastest qualifying times in the quarterfinals and semifinals and so lined up as the favourites. By the half-way mark they had a two-and-a-half boat length’s lead over the rest of the field. The Netherlands followed the Germans in a steady second position with the Czech Republic in third.

Italy and New Zealand put on a challenge for bronze, moving up on the Czech boat and overtaking them with one quarter of the race left to go. It was too little too late for New Zealand, with Italy taking bronze behind the Netherlands in silver and the untouchable Germans crossing ahead in gold.

Results: GER, NED, ITA, NZL, CZE, ESP

Jonathan Rommelmann –  GER – gold 
“It’s a very nice feeling to be World Champion, I haven’t even been able to realise, it feels so good. We are a new combination and now we go in the lightweight quad for Aiguebelette.”

Daan Klomp – NED – silver 
“We had a turbulent season, but it is very nice to be in the medals here. Germany were just better, but we had a very nice race.”

Lorenzo Galano –  ITA – bronze 
“I am very happy as it is my first World Championships, especially in an Olympic boat class, I feel wow. I want to dedicate this win to my team and my trainer.”

B-Final

Switzerland and Serbia occupied the favoured centre lanes in this race, but it was initially Poland out in front. With half of the race left to row, Serbia had pushed ahead to take the lead, with Switzerland in second and Poland falling back. Meanwhile Hungary turned on the steam, moving up the ranks from fifth at 500m, to fourth at 1000m and to third at 1500m. In the final stretch of the race, Hungary overtook Switzerland to take second behind the leaders Serbia.

Results: SRB, HUN, SUI, POL, JPN, UKR