Image Credit: TresKasen
This year’s NK Klein (Dutch Small Boats Championships) will again be held as part of the Hollandia Race, organised by K.S.R.V. Njord and Triton. Unlike in most years, entries into the men’s single scull (M1x) have skyrocketed, with almost the entire Dutch national team entering the event. This makes for an incredibly competitive field, potentially matching the level of a World Rowing Cup or even a championship final.
A new progression system is being introduced this year. Racing begins on Friday with a time trial. The top 12 scullers from the time trial will progress directly to the quarterfinals. The next 36 will go into the heats, from which only the top 2 in each heat will move on to the quarterfinals.
For the full progression schedule, visit:
https://kzrvhollandia.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250407_NKKlein_Promotieschema_LE1x_E2-_J182-_E1x_SB1x.pdf
Finn Florijn (NED)
The 25-year-old from Leiden, and son of Olympic gold medallist Ronald Florijn, has been with the Dutch federation for several years. After serving as the spare sculler for Tokyo, he moved into the quad for the Paris Olympics, where he took gold. He spent the winter training in the single on the Amstel, and after being excluded from the Varsity senior four, he’s focused entirely on this weekend’s racing. Fit, experienced, and highly motivated, he’s expected to be one of the front-runners.
Melvin Twellaar (NED)
Coming from G.S.R. Aegir in the north of the Netherlands, Melvin is a two-time Olympic silver medallist in the double sculls alongside Stef Broenink. His 2022 performance at the European Rowing Championships in Munich, where he beat Olympic champion Ntouskos and Germany’s Zeidler, was a career highlight. Recent training results suggest he’s in top form and could take the national title.
Simon van Dorp (NED)
Starting out at Willem III in Amsterdam, Simon developed his rowing career at the University of Washington. He is one of the rare athletes to medal internationally in sculling and sweep disciplines. Though his sculling career only took off in 2023, he already has a bronze from the Paris Olympics. After pulling a 5:31 on the RP3 at the indoor nationals in December, he’s clearly in peak condition heading into this weekend.
Lucas Keijzer (NED)
A rising star at just 22, Lucas began rowing at De Hunze in Groningen and now represents A.S.R. Nereus. After winning the Holland Beker last year, he has established himself as one of the top young talents in the country. He joined the national talent team in January and has trained alongside the senior squad. Despite still being an U23 athlete, his recent times have rivalled those of the top seniors, making him a serious threat in the field.
Prediction
The Bosbaan is known for being very susceptible to stream and unfair lanes, which regularly causes upsets. We’ll, therefore, likely see a wildcard come through to the A-final alongside what can be expected to be a final locked out by international-level athletes. I think we can expect Melvin Twellaar to win this weekend in the senior event, whilst in the U23 event, Lucas Keijzer is expected to dominate.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
