PRINCETON, N.J. – The historic Philadelphia Challenge Cup returns to the Schuylkill River this weekend, along with eight of the biggest names in elite rowing. Held in conjunction with the 2014 Head of the Schuylkill, the two-day event is expected to bring thousands of rowers and spectators to Philadelphia October 25-26.
Known as “The Gold Cup,” the event began in 1920, during the heyday of Philadelphia rowing and pitted the best amateur male single scullers in the world against each other in a sprint race on the famed Schuylkill River. The contest, and the cup, disappeared in the early 1960s, only to reemerge in 2011 after a 50-year hiatus, with the expansion of the competition to women.
In the women’s race, reigning Gold Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Mirka Knapková of the Czech Republic will face off against Kim Crow from Australia, United States sculler, Gevvie Stone, and Chantal Achterberg from The Netherlands.
“I'm excited to be in Philadelphia and to have another week to spend with some of my international competitors and teammates,” said Stone, who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. “From the quick preview thus far, it appears that the Philadelphia rowing scene has prepared thoroughly for the race and for ensuring that our group of eight scullers enjoys the experience, on the water and off the water. I appreciate their organization and enthusiasm.”
Stone, who is coming off last weekend’s win in the championship eight event at the 2014 Head of the Charles, said that transitioning from a three-mile head race distance to a 750-meter sprint race will be a unique challenge.
“It will be interesting adjusting from the goal of racing three miles to racing 750 meters,” said Stone earlier this week. “I've got to work on my start and on rating higher.”
In the men’s race, reigning Olympic gold medalist Mahé Drysdale of New Zealand will compete against Ondrej Synek of Czech Republic, U.S. sculler Yohann Rigogne and Kjetil Borch of Norway.
The Gold Challenge Cup Foundation will award prize money for winners, with $10,000 awarded to the champion, $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place and $1,000 for fourth place.
Racing will be streamed live on USRowing's You Tube Channel beginning at 11 a.m. with the Gold Cup Corporate Challenge. The women’s race is scheduled to start at 11:45 a.m., with the men’s race at 12:00 p.m.
In addition, members of the U.S. National Team will be on site throughout the weekend at the Boathouse Sports and USRowing tents. Stop by to #JoinOurTeam, meet the athletes and get a free poster and team trading cards.
On Saturday, meet Grace Latz (women’s quadruple sculls, bronze), Kerry Simmonds (women’s pair, silver), Ross James (London Olympian, men’s eight) and Vicky Opitz (women’s eight, gold) from 1-3 p.m.
On Sunday, meet Felice Mueller (women’s quadruple sculls, bronze), Lauren Schmetterling (women’s eight, gold) and Tracy Eisser (women’s quadruple sculls, bronze) from 11-1 p.m.
For more information about the Gold Cup, history, competitor bios and past winners, click here. For more information on the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, click here.
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