Racing for the 2023 World Championships begins on Sunday, September 3, in Belgrade, Serbia. Below, we preview the men's pair event.
ENTRIES - 28
2020 Olympic Champion – Croatia
2022 World Champion – Romania
RACICE 2022 RECAP
The Romanian pair of Cozmiuc and Bejan got out quickly and held a narrow lead at the 500 over the Spanish pair of Canalejo and Garcia. Those two crews raced nearly level to the 1750 with Serbia leading Great Britain for third. At the finish line, Romania sprinted to the win over Spain, with the British passing Serbia for the bronze.
Watch the final from Racice here.
2023 SEASON RECAP
The 2023 season has been a two pair race for the top spot between the Swiss pair of Roeoesli and Gulich, and the British pair of Wynne-Griffith and George. The Swiss struck first, winning both World Cup I and the European Championships, then Brits came back to win World Cup II and III.
Romania and Spain return their gold and silver medal lineups from 2022, and both have had solid, medal winning seasons. The Serbian pair has also raced well, making multiple finals and should be energized by racing on their home waters in Belgrade.
USA PROSPECTS
The USA pair of Evan Olson and William Bender will make their senior team debuts in Belgrade, though both have U23 experience. Olson raced twice in the coxed four, winning bronze in 2017. Bender raced in the eight in 2021, winning silver. With 28 entries in the event for 11 Paris qualification spots, making the B final and having a shot at qualifying will be a success for the new USA M2-.
MEDAL PICKS
The men's pair should be one of the most open events with at least five crews with legitimate shots at the podium. Great Britain is the presumptive favorite following the last two World Cups, so look for them to potentially break through for the win. Though Switzerland, Romania, Spain, and Denmark should be in the mix as well.
GOLD – GREAT BRITAIN
SILVER – ROMANIA
BRONZE - SERBIA
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