This weekend is the time of the year when almost all the intermediate and senior rowers will travel to Hilversum to compete in the Tromp Boat Race. It is a race that is always very busy, always has beautiful water, and always turns into a great battle.
The 5150 meters is used as a chase race for just about every category imaginable. That’s also why this race is so well visited. The field of the women’s pair is not typically so busy, but with twenty entries, this will be an exciting day of racing!
N.S.R.V. Phocas
The groups of intermediate and more experienced rowers of Phocas have been growing for years. With their new building and new professional coach, they are well on their way to competing with the top teams in the Netherlands. Two of their athletes, Ilse Akkermans and Anna Sanders, will certainly be competing for the top spot. Despite relatively few years of rowing experience, they have already won many medals. This one from the Tromp would fit in nicely with this list, too.
A U.S.R. Orca
In my opinion, one of the strongest features of the Orca women’s team is that they have a very strong intermediate group. This means that you can spar with each other every weekend and help each other improve. This is also evident in the women’s pair field, where no fewer than four pairs have been sent. Of these four boats, I expect the battle to be fiercest between Syl Dignum/Wietske Kloos and Anne-Mare Visser/Sytske Rouppe van der Voort. Last year, these two pairs rowed together in a very successful coxless four that finished second in the development rankings.
G.S.R. Aegir
It is becoming almost routine to mention Aegir as a contender in these previews, but they prove in every race that they belong at the top. This was also the case in the last race at the Amstel Cup, where Aegir secured a historic second place, demonstrating what they are capable of. Anne Jonkman and Marit van Ommeren, the successful pair from that Amstel boat, will therefore likely do well again at the Tromp.
Preview
Although the Tromp is known for its skiff races, I would definitely recommend making time for the women’s pair race as well. With the high level of competition on display here, it is certainly a sight to behold. Phocas will probably lead the field, but Aegir‘s boat could make things difficult for them. Orca‘s pair will likely complement the top.
