Image Credit: Cas Haasdijk
While every rowing club in the Netherlands focuses primarily on welcoming first-year students who are learning to row in September, the more senior members train for the first race of the 2025-26 season. The Amstelbeker (translated as the Amstelcup) is unique in that it is the only race in the Netherlands that uses a knockout system, similar to Henley Royal Regatta. The boats are ranked by a time trial, after which they compete one-on-one. The relatively short distance of 750 metres, which still feels like an eternity for a rower, also makes it a very entertaining race. Let’s see which boats you should definitely keep an eye on!
G.S.R “Aegir”
Although they mainly row skiffs in the preseason, there is still a lot of focus on the eight for the rowers from Groningen. With a strong eight that became Dutch Champions last year, they will likely reach at least the semifinals. The only problem is that two rowers from the previous lineup are temporarily abroad, so second-year rowers are filling these spots. Fortunately, Amke van der Wal and Jana Nagtegaal are experienced in rowing in the front of the field, as they come from the winning eight of the First-Year Women’s League.
A.S.R. “Nereus”
Will the ladies of Nereus make it to the finals? Is the Pope Catholic? For at least the past ten years, it seemed clear each year that they would secure a spot in the finals. Unfortunately for those seeking an upset, given the current lineup, there’s no sign of that trend being bucked this year. Every rower has either won a national championship medal or qualified for the World Rowing Championships. The question is rather whether they consider the Amstelbeker important enough to train specifically for it.
A.U.S.R. Orca
One of the clubs with a really broad senior and intermediate group is Orca from Utrecht. Almost everyone is a fourth-year student or older, which means they have a lot of experience. Rosie Jansen will be able to stroke the boat particularly well with her WKU23 experience from last summer. She is supported by two Varsity winners and FISU participants.
Prediction
All in all, Amstelbeker is a competition where every club sends its best eight. Everything comes together in the grand finale, in which the ladies from Amsterdam are likely to secure a place. The real battle for second place will probably take place between Aegir and Orca. The latter will probably draw the longer straw.
