Image Credit: World Rowing
Entries: 20
World Rowing Cup I Winner: New Zealand
The men’s pair at the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne presents an exciting field with 20 entries. It is the defending World Rowing Cup winners, European champions, and crews making their first international appearances post-Paris.
New Zealand arrives as the defending World Rowing Cup champions from Varese, bringing the confidence that comes with proven speed. The crew features Oliver Welch, the 2024 U23 world champion in the pair. Romania enters as the European champions, dominating the continental field with authority. Switzerland arrive into Lucerne as podium contenders after their bronze medal performance at Varese and a solid fifth place at the European Rowing Championships. Racing on home waters on the Rotsee could provide the emotional boost needed to challenge for their first World Rowing Cup victory of the season.
Ireland is an exciting entry that most definitely should not be overlooked. This is the first time we’ve witnessed this Irish combination race on the world stage since their impressive sixth-place finish at the Paris Olympic Games. The crew brings serious pedigree, having claimed bronze at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in the pair. Ross Corrigan will surely be looking to improve his ninth-place European performance alongside Daire Lynch after reuniting with longtime crewmate Nathan Timoney.
Lithuania arrives with the momentum of their fourth-place European finish, but interestingly, they will be doubling up into the coxless four. Greece (sixth at the European Rowing Championships) should be a contender for a spot in the A-final.
Denmark fields two crews, with Denmark 1 showing solid form with their seventh-place finishes at both Varese and the European Rowing Championships (in the four). Denmark 2 features Christian Soendergaard from the seventh-place European crew, joined by Kaare Mortensen, who is transitioning from the single scull, a move that could either provide fresh speed or require time to develop this combination. USA enters with a crew drawn from their fifth-place four at Varese, creating what should be a formidable combination with proven speed and race experience at the highest level. South Africa brings Olympic experience through Chris Baxter, who finished ninth in the pair at Paris, providing valuable big-race knowledge to their campaign.
Prediction
I predict Romania will win, New Zealand will claim silver, and Switzerland will take the bronze, but I would not be surprised if it is a battle to the line with Ireland.
