The first day of racing included a warm-up event on ergometers, but the following day was a 500m sprint regatta to determine the lane draw for the main event on Sunday. Lining up on the start were the two British crews alongside the German world champions, the USA, and the second German boat, which won the world U23 title in Belarus last month.
The two British crews and the Germans moved away during the first 2000m, with never more than half a length separating the three leaders, although GB 1 had the lead by a whisker. After 15 mins of racing the GB super-eight made their move, coming within a canvas of their compatriots and then surging past to lead the field by a length.
But the Germans pushed hard at the halfway mark to split the British crews, and the positions remained unchanged over the second half of the epic race. GB 2 crossed the line to win in 36 mins 46 secs, 19 seconds clear of Germany, with GB 1 a further 20 seconds behind in third place.
“It was the most amazing race I think I have seen” said Leander chief coach Mark Banks, who was also coaching the winning eight.
In his excitement Banks fell off his bike at the halfway and broke a rib.
“I went through the same pain as the crew” he joked afterwards.
After a brief respite the GB internationals will soon reconvene for their final preparation in the lead-up to this year’s world championships in New Zealand at the end of October.
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