A capsized crew brought further frustration to the German rowing fleet at the World Cup in Belgrade. The mishap in the lightweight men’s double sculls caused unwelcome excitement on the fifth day of the title fights. After a technical error in the semifinals, Paul Leerkamp and Jonathan Rommelmann fell into the water halfway through and thus lost their place in the finals.
After climbing back into the boat, the duo finished more than three minutes behind the winner from Switzerland, but at least kept the chance of a ticket for Paris 2024. “First it was shock, then disappointment. But it was bumpy today – one mistake is enough,” commented Rommelmann, who placed second at the Olympics.
Only a win in the B final saves the crew from a tricky post-Olympic qualification next year. “We now have a day to shake that off and attack again. Everything is still in there,” said Rommelmann.
Not only the lightweight men’s double scull fell short of expectations. The women’s quadruple scull missed the final as fifth in the semi-finals. The four without a helmswoman did not get past the last place.
Alexander Davydov Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 1 Published/Updated: Recommendations: 2 Alexander Davydov Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 2
The men’s quadruple provided the only ray of hope on Thursday. Anton Finger, Max Appel, Tim Ole Naske and Moritz Wolff overtook Ukraine in the last few meters of the semifinals and took the third place they needed. This made them the first German team to qualify for the Olympics. The fight for the World Championship medals is on Saturday. Batsman Moritz Wolf was visibly relieved: “In the meantime we had our doubts, but we trusted that it would work out in the final sprint. I’m super happy.”
Anton Finger, Max Appel, Tim Ole Naske and Moritz Wolf are happy: they have reached the ticket for the Olympics : Photo: dpa
The Germany eight is facing a similar feat. The DRV parade boat must be at least second in the repechage on Friday in order not to miss the final. Only the first five World Cup boats are guaranteed a starting place in Paris. “This is a final for us,” commented trainer Sabine Tschäge.
