NZ rowers lead way at World Cup

New Zealand continued their winning rowing ways last night, taking four gold medals at the international season’s third World Cup in Lucerne.

The victories came from crews that have been formed afresh after the Rio Olympics.

Three further finalists — the women’s pair, double sculls and eight — raced overnight.

Tom Murray and James Hunter arguably made the most significant statement in the men’s pair.

The duo linked for their first major regatta after filling the seats vacated by two-time Olympic gold medallists Hamish Bond and Eric Murray.

Tom Murray came from the Rio eight and Hunter from the lightweight four.

They crossed in 6m 34.5s, 1.17s ahead of Croatian brothers Martin and Valent Sinkovic who have transitioned from the double sculls this season. The Sinkovics won gold in that class at Rio.

“Today we had a plan which we executed,” Murray said from the Rotsee. “We expected the Sinkovic brothers to sprint toward the end.”

Robbie Manson continued his form in the single scull, after replacing double Olympic champion Mahe Drysdale this season.

Manson won in 6m 49.08s, an impressive 3.86s ahead of his nearest competitor. He went through the first 500m in fifth before assuming the lead from the halfway mark.

“I didn’t feel great during the first 500m, it felt like quite hard work,” Manson said. “But then I got into the rhythm well. I think all the other countries are going to get a lot faster towards Sarasota [venue for the world championships], so I’ve got to go back [home] and work hard.”

Jackie Kiddle and Zoe McBride triumphed in the women’s lightweight double sculls, coming from fourth after 500m. Chris Harris and John Storey led from start to finish to win the men’s double sculls.

Each of the results came Olympic class events.

The world championships run from September 24 to October 1 in Sarasota, Florida. in