The start of the women's quadruple sculls at the 2014 European Championships
Belgrade, SRB

This boat class was pretty much an open slate as new line ups were being tested. In the heats two days ago Belarus recorded the fastest qualifying time, but they were up against the current World Champions Germany, albeit a new line up. Germany got off the line very nicely and held this leading position through the middle of the race. The German boat contained Julia Richter who raced to silver at the 2012 Olympic Games and also to gold at last year’s World Rowing Championships. But Richter is joined by three new team mates.

The half way point had now been crossed and Germany still sat in the lead with Belarus closing in on the leading crew. Belarus had the legendary Ekaterina Karsten of Belarus sitting in bow seat along with Olympic medallist Yuliya Bichyk and then two younger team mates Tatsiana Kukhta and Katsiaryna Shliupkaya.

The final sprint had begun and Germany was doing all that they could to hold off Belarus as Poland picked up the pace and moved away from the Netherlands.

In a very close finish, Belarus had done it. They become the World Champions over Germany with Poland in third. The sprint by Belarus had earned them a new European Best Time of 6:14.64.

Results: BLR, GER, POL, NED, GBR, UKR

 

Gold – Yuliya Bichyk – BLR

I don’t really remember the race but we feel super. It wasn’t the best conditions but we’re happy our plan worked.

Silver Mareike Adams – GER

We’re pleased with the result. We like this weather and conditions, we train with strong wind at home. It was a good race today and our plan worked. This is our best result for this season.

Bronze – Agnieszka Kobus – POL

The race was wonderful – we’re the youngest team in the race so pleased to compete with the other teams.