Today was increasingly hot and "sunny," with temperatures reaching around 90 degrees by the end of racing. It was a reality check for the athletes (and foreign spectators) compared to yesterday's 70 degree afternoon. The sun was poking through the top of the sky, but leaving a doughnut of haze around the horizon (several news reports noted the pollution problem this week in Beijing). The view down the course was a bit hazier by a degree to Camden during a hot and humid IRA.
Three US crews (JM1x, JW2x, JW8+) advanced to finals or quarterfinals today; a win in their heat sent the JW8+ directly to Saturday's A final; junior men's 1x James Hills won his heat to advance to tomorrow's quarterfinal, and the JW2x advances to tomorrow's quarterfinal as well; all other US crews are in the reps.
The US JW2x of Fries and Crawford was in contact with Denmark and Australia at the 1000, with a lenth separating the three boats. Australia then took a push and moved ahead of the Danes and held their 2 second margin through to the finish; the US boat finished in third, a length or so open behind the Danes to move to the quarterfinals. The real drama for that race was at the start, however, where the US's stakeboat holder was receiving calls and texts up to the polling of the crews. It was a tough job for the young fella to balance his social agenda with his voluntary obligation all day long.
The US JW8+ gained clearance by the 1000 and posted the fastest time by 4 seconds over Heat 2 winner Germany. The remaining 5 boats will race tomorrow for lanes and to eliminate one boat from Saturday's final.
While dodging dragonflies on the bike path, I had a word with Coach Colin Campbell before the JM8+ heat: "I'm just curious to see this race go," he said. "I didn't bike in Camden, so the last time I saw them race was at the IDR... I think Italy and New Zealand are going to be very, very good." Italy was very good to the halfway mark, shutting it down to a 24 by the finish. The Kiwis looked strong and composed finishing a few seats open on the US crew. Six boats go to the rep tomorrow to eliminate two.
Speaking of insects, one translator told me he caught one in the eye while on his bike. Seeing him rubbing his eyes, a concerned guard stopped marching and asked if there was a problem:
The grandstands were packed with Chinese fans at 7:30 today to practice their cheers (and perhaps take the Beijing 2008 photo?). Racing did not start until 9:30, however, and by that time the majority of those fans had dispersed. They did regroup a bit for the JW2x, JM2x and JM4- races (all 1st place finishes for China), complete with thundersticks and deafening chants.
That's it for today. We're headed to Tian'anmen Square for the 8/8/07 celebration, one year away from the opening ceremonies.
~JT
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