Rowing World Championship
Germany eight missed final – Zeidler on course
There was a corona case in the Germany eight. photo
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
The Germany eight missed the final at the Rowing World Championships in the Czech Republic.
The Germany eight missed the final at the Rowing World Championships in the Czech Republic.
The DRV parade boat, weakened by a corona case, had to settle for third place behind the Netherlands and the USA in the repechage on the Racice regatta course. The distance to the two leading teams was two boat lengths at the finish. This is the first time since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing that the eighth final of an international top regatta has taken place without German participation.
Ahead of the repechage, Julian Garth tested positive for the virus. Max John from the four without a coxswain takes the roll seat of the sick Krefeld. After the disappointing fourth place in the preliminary heat, this conversion comes at an inopportune time for the big boat. Even before the World Cup, two team members who were unable to play for professional reasons had been replaced.
Zeidler on course for a medal
Unlike the eight, Oliver Zeidler gave the DRV fleet a rare World Cup ray of hope. The 2019 world champion from Munich underpinned his claim to a medal with a commanding semi-final win over Graeme Thomas (Great Britain) and Jordan Parry (New Zealand). This makes him the only German to take part in a World Cup final in the 14 Olympic classes.
On the other hand, the dream of a podium finish for Alexandra Föster is over. The EM third from Meschede just missed the final despite a spirited final sprint as fourth.