Final report EUC 2019 rowing

The lightweight women's double scull with Luise Möller and Nina Öhlckers and the men's eight with Adrian Seiler, Jan-Lukas Harder, Adrian Elter, Johann Fox, Lenz Kiefer, Simon Gessler, Moritz Kopp, Rupert Pretzler and coxswain Linda Kromer competed on the 1810 m long course on the Munksjön.
The journey to the event, in which a total of over 500 students from 21 countries and 85 universities took part, began for the Karlsruhe team on Monday. While part of the team took the direct flight, the rest followed along with all the boats from the southern German universities and had the opportunity to get in the mood for the after-party and to admire the Oresund Bridge from the water during the ferry trip. After rigging up, the first task on Tuesday and Wednesday was to get to know the course and wind conditions. The already shortened 2000 m course was shortened even further by a strong headwind, but technically it was quite a challenge, which is why the results for the preliminary race on Thursday were very difficult to predict for both boats.
The official opening event, at which all the competing countries and universities as well as all the organizers were introduced, kicked off the event on Wednesday evening. With a fire choreography to the regatta anthem, the "feeling" had everyone under its spell by then at the latest.
The first clear goal for both teams was to make it directly to the A final without a heat, which proved to be feasible. Both teams won their heats. This meant that everyone was able to relax and train again on Friday, build up the "feeling" in the stands and prepare for the final.
The lightweight women were the first to start in the final A in their borrowed boat from Karlsruher Rheinklub Alemannia. After a good start to the race, in which they were able to pull away at the front, the Dutch women from Utrecht proved to be technically cleaner and more powerful in the last 500m and ultimately crossed the finish line in first place. However, the girls were also delighted with their silver medal, which they had not expected before the start of the event. An hour later, the starting signal sounded again for Karlsruhe, where the men also won a strong silver medal in a very gripping race in which no favorite was clearly recognizable until the end.
The last evening was then introduced with a formal dinner including a small show and aftermovie, followed by an exuberant afterparty.
The majority of the team then spent a well-deserved relaxing vacation in Sweden before making the long journey back to Karlsruhe.

Text: Nina Öhlckers