The Germany eight actually wanted to make amends after the World Cup debacle at the Channel Cup. However, due to nine corona-related failures, the German team is severely handicapped at the rowing marathon on the Kiel Canal.
The NDR will broadcast the four-way battle with the USA, the Netherlands and the Ukraine live on Sunday from 1 p.m., in which the Germany eight can only start with a skeleton team. Nine World Cup participants had a positive corona test result after the disappointing title fights and were eliminated. Julian Garth had also already tested positive in Racice/Czech Republic.
Thiede: “One rejection after the other”
“We’ve been testing since returning from the Czech Republic – and there was one cancellation after the other over the course of the week,” said coach Peter Thiede. He replaces national coach Uwe Bender, who had to cancel due to minor symptoms as a precaution.
“We are happy that we can start at all and want to make the best of the situation.”
— Coach Peter Thiede
Batsman Torben Johannesen, Mattes Schönherr, Benedict Eggeling and helmsman Jonas Wiesen are the only remaining rowers from the eight that missed the final at the World Championships.
World Cup final for the first time in 23 years without a Germany eight
So it will be difficult to make amends for the historically poor performance in the world title fights, where the German flagship boat only came third in the repechage and thus missed a world championship final for the first time in 23 years. The subsequent victory in the B final was not actually a success. He just made sure the debacle didn’t get any bigger.
12,725 meters of wind and waves on the canal
The Canal Cup on the Kiel Canal at the end of the season in Rendsburg, which according to the organizer is the “toughest rowing race in the world”, is actually just right. 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. After a strenuous ride with lots of waves, the destination is at the foot of the “Iron Lady”, below the railway bridge in Rendsburg.
Will the Netherlands triumph for the first time?
A thinned-out German boat is now facing strong 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 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
