Image Credit: World Rowing
Entries: 15
World Rowing Cup I Winner: Australia
The picturesque waters of the Rotsee, or the “Lake of the Gods,” will host what promises to be scintillating racing all weekend, June 27- 29th. In Lucerne, 15 crews will vie for World Rowing Cup glory in the men’s coxless four. The European champions will lead a star-studded field, and notable absences will create opportunities. This event is set to deliver thrilling racing.
Romania enters as the clear favourites, carrying the momentum of their commanding victory at the European Rowing Championships.
Australia 1 arrives with the confidence of their World Rowing Cup I victory in Varese still. The crew, featuring rowing legend Alex Hill, knows how to win when it matters most. However, with a stronger field assembled in Lucerne and the target firmly on their backs, they’ll need to find another gear to repeat their early-season success.
Croatia brings serious medal credentials to Switzerland. Their second-place finish at the European Rowing Championships, combined with the Sinkovic brothers’ silver medal performance in the pair at Varese and Loncaric twins’ fourth-place showing, creates a formidable combination of experience and proven speed. This could be the crew that challenges Romania’s supremacy.
France presents an intriguing blend of youth and experience, headlined by the addition of Hugo Boucheron, the 2022 world champion in the men’s double, who has moved into the four following the European Rowing Championships. The core crew that claimed bronze at the European Rowing Championships remains unchanged, providing stability and proven chemistry.
Great Britain cannot be overlooked after their strong showings this season. They’ve consistently been in the hunt, sitting just over a second off the podium at Varese (fourth) and eighth at the European Rowing Championships.
Lithuania presents an interesting lineup, combining the 13th-place European Rowing Championships double with their fourth-place pair. Czechia has shown an encouraging upward trajectory, improving from tenth at the European Rowing Championships to eighth in Varese, where they finished second in a thrilling B-final battle with Germany. Their momentum could carry them into medal contention.
The USA brings a new combination to Lucerne, built around Paris Olympic bronze medallist Chris Tabash (men’s eight) and Jacob Hudgins, who finished fifth in the four at Varese. Adding Gus Rodrigues and Josh Diggons creates an unpredictable but potentially powerful crew.
New Zealand was sixth in Varese, and I am sure they will look to improve on this result. Australia 2 draws talent from the men’s eight that finished fifth in Varese.
Notably, the Dutch contingent will be missing from Lucerne due to the Holland Beker regatta, which will remove a traditional rowing powerhouse from the equation and potentially open up additional spots in the A-final.
Prediction: Romania for gold, AUS 1 for silver and Croatia for bronze
