The weekend just gone saw the Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre hold BUCS Regatta – a staple in the rowing calendar. As we look to the rest of the summer season, we stay at Holme Pierrepont this weekend for the Nottingham City Regatta. With gusts up to 30mph predicted, a strong cross-tail wind will bring some challenging conditions. No boat class will feel this more than the singles, so how does the top standard of this gladiatorial category stack up?
Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association: Alex Knighton
Representing Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association , Knighton comes into this event with a strong foundation. Most recently competing at the GB Olympic Pathway Regatta, Knighton placed a respectful second in the A-final, also taking the place of the fastest U23 rower. With this experience and clear skill and speed in the single, he will be a tough opponent to beat.
City of Cambridge Rowing Club: Sam Chard
Rowing for City of Cambridge Rowing Club, Sam Chard brings a wealth of experience as a top class lightweight sculler. From winning the B-final of the championship single at Marlow regatta last year, and finishing second in the lightweight single at the Home International Regatta, there’s no doubt he knows how to race the single. Following recent work with Kieran Clark, his sculling has gone from strength to strength and he’ll be looking to unleash his product at Nottingham.
Predictions
This will be a brutal race, with such a limited entry list into the championship single. There is only one top of the podium position they will all be chasing after in such a competitive race. It will be a tight battle, especially in the first 1k, but I expect the third 500m to be where Knighton to pull away and claim the win ahead of Chard.
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