Two Canadian crews advance after their repechage races today at the 2008 World Rowing Championships in Linz/Ottensheim, Austria.
Canada's lightweight men's eight had a gutsy race in its rep. Poland won the race in 5:53.94, but Canada (5:55.32) overtook Australia (5:57.37) in the final 500 metres (of 2000 metres) to take the next qualifying spot.
"Poland and Australia seemed really focused on getting out fast and responding to what we had planned and did a solid job," said crew member Paul Amesbury, who is looking forward to a fast final this weekend. "Australia, however, did not have the sprint that we had going into the last part of the race to hold onto their slight lead, which was fortunate for us."
The lightweight eight is Brandon Boyd of Brockville, Ont., Kurtis Boyd of Brockville, Guthrie Hurd of Vancouver, B.C., Paul Amesbury of Ottawa, Ont., Terry McKall of Edmonton, Alta., Tim Myers of North Vancouver, B.C., Nicholas Pratt of Kingston, Ont., Rares Crisan of Kingston and cox Mark Laidlaw of Mississauga, Ont.
The Canadian women's four was fourth in its rep in 6:50.49 - advancing to the A final. Denmark won the rep in 6:47.15; with Italy and Russia following. The top four crews advance to the A final. Germany (fifth) and the Ukraine (sixth) head to the B final.
"The women in the four are up for the challenge," said their coach, Michelle Darvill. "They know the final will be a tight race and will work on keeping focused the next couple of days."
The four is Emma Darling of Vancouver, B.C., Sarah Waterfield of Kingston, Ont., Nathalie Maurer of North Vancouver, B.C. and Cristin McCarty of Saskatoon, Sask.
The Senior finals are held on Sunday. The next racing action for Canada will be on Friday - with the men's coxed pair and lightweight women's single in the semi finals.
This regatta showcases events that are not in the Olympics, as well as Junior boat-classes.