Sunday morning racing suspended at World Champs

Conditions at the 2010 World Rowing Championships Lake Karapiro, New Zealand venue saw a strong tail wind increase to white caps forcing the decision of suspension of this morning’s races to be made.

The decision to suspend follows a recommendation by FISA’s Fairness Commission who then advise the FISA Council with the FISA Council making the final ruling. When water conditions become unfair for the crews racing in different lanes on the rowing course the continuation of racing is considered.

FISA’s executive director, Matt Smith stated at a press conference immediately following the decision that changes to the racing schedule impacts on many aspects of the regatta from athletes and spectators to television coverage. For this reason they cannot change decisions readily. A constant update in weather conditions means that the 3pm revision fits in with a weather forecast prediction of the wind decreasing near to this time.

“We are monitoring changes in the weather by the minute,” said Smith who answered a number of questions put to him by the gathered international media.