After the World Cup debacle, the Germany eight quickly had a good opportunity to make amends – at the rowing marathon on the Kiel Canal. NDR broadcasts the four-way battle with the USA, the Netherlands and Ukraine live on Sunday from 1 p.m.
It is not known whether the legendary rowing coach Karl Adam ever formulated a sentence like: “After the regatta is before the regatta” in the style of Sepp Herberger. If he had, many years later two things could be said about it. For one: “Yes, that’s the way it is.” And: “Fortunately, that’s the case.” After all, the most recent competition for the Germany eight turned out to be such a disaster that the entire team would like to erase the memory of the World Championships in Racice (Czech Republic) and quickly look ahead.
World Cup final for the first time in 23 years without a Germany eight
The German flagship around Hamburg batsman Torben Johannesen had only finished third in the repechage and had thus missed a World Cup final for the first time in 23 years. Strictly speaking, the subsequent victory in the B final last Sunday was not a success. He just made sure the debacle didn’t get any bigger.
12,725 meters of wind and waves on the canal
In view of this miserable performance at the World Cup, the Canal Cup on the Kiel Canal in Rendsburg, which according to the organizers is the “toughest rowing race in the world”, is just the right thing. According to the motto: get in the boat, get on the oars, up the enormously long distance of 12,725 meters – and raise the oar blades after crossing the finish line. The latter then as a sign of victory. From a German point of view, that would be ideal for the 22nd edition of the race, which has traditionally started in Breiholz since 2001.
Will the Netherlands triumph for the first time?
After a strenuous ride with lots of waves, the destination is at the foot of the “Iron Lady”, below the railway bridge in Rendsburg. However, a home win will not be that easy, which shows on the one hand the poor performance in Racice and on the other hand the quality of the competition. The USA just missed out on a medal at the World Championships in fourth place, while the Netherlands won silver. The starting field is completed by the Ukraine, who are clear outsiders.
Germany far ahead in the list of winners
Things have often gone very well for the Germany eight in Rendsburg over the years. The black, red and gold crew crossed the finish line as winners a whopping 16 times. The USA won in 2006 and 2018, the Netherlands and Ukraine are not yet in the list of winners, which always shows nations with one exception. In 2005, the University of Cambridge, tried and tested in the legendary Boat Race with Oxford, triumphed.
A memorable race three years ago
The 2019 race should be remembered by many. While still on the water, German crew member Christopher Reinhardt and Dutch rower Jacob van de Kerkhof needed medical attention. Long before the finish, Reinhardt was struggling with circulatory problems, temporarily stopped rowing and was occasionally on his wheelchair. Despite this, Germany won the race.
This year’s Canal Cup will kick off on Friday (5 p.m.) with a colorful stage program by the NDR at the district harbor and a stand-up paddling competition. Saturday is dedicated to the Canal Triathlon and the 50 Dragon Boat Cup. And on Sunday comes the highlight when the international eights rowing marathon starts in Breiholz at 1 p.m.
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sports club | 02.10.2022 | 13:00 ‘O clock
