Duisburg organizes a fresh start for rowing

Without spectators, but with great enthusiasm and relief, international rowing celebrated its return to the competition stage in Duisburg. Due to the COVID restrictions, the U23 European Championships held this weekend on the Wedau course in the Duisburg Sportpark were the first major rowing regatta of the entire year.

Without spectators, but with great enthusiasm and relief, international rowing celebrated its return to the competition stage in Duisburg. Due to the COVID restrictions, the U23 European Championships held this weekend on the Wedau course in the Duisburg Sportpark were the first major rowing regatta of the entire year.

The organizing International Wedau Regatta e.V. received a great deal of praise and recognition for its hygiene concept and for the disciplined implementation throughout both regatta days. The volunteer team led by IWR chairman Thomas Küpper was supported by regatta course manager Mirko Günther and his staff.

Two German victories in the eight‑oared events

During the European Championships of young talents from 31 nations, a total of 132 races were on the competition schedule. On Sunday, the decisions were made in 22 finals. The German Rowing Federation, which competed in all boat classes, won a total of 15 medals (4 gold / 5 silver / 6 bronze). The DRV also claimed victory in the prestigious eight‑oared races for both women and men. Siegfried Kaidel, Chairman of the German Rowing Federation, enjoyed the success of his fleet. At the same time, Kaidel expressed his appreciation that Duisburg had made the regatta possible at all. “The longing to finally get back on the water for a competition was extremely great,” said the federation president.

Regatta gained worldwide attention thanks to its hygiene concept 

The organizers were under close observation. FISA Secretary General Matt Smith said: “The regatta is receiving a great deal of attention. Everyone wants to see how a competition can be held fairly and at a high level under these conditions. Duisburg serves as a role model in this.” Duisburg’s Lord Mayor Sören Link personally inspected how the safety concept, approved by his authorities, was being implemented.

Link, who also took part in two award ceremonies on the final day, said: “You can clearly see that the athletes have been waiting a long time for a competition. With so many participants, it is a real challenge to comply with all hygiene and distancing rules. But it worked very well, and that’s how you can safely make great sport possible.”

Livestream instead of spectators in the stands

Competition director Tobias Weysters took the lead in developing the concept for the organizers and coordinated it together with the City of Duisburg and the world rowing federation FISA. A key part of the safety concept was that everyone within the regatta course area had to wear a face mask. Exceptions were made only for the races and training sessions. The rule was followed with great discipline.

It was also part of the concept not to allow any spectators on the grandstand of the regatta course. Rowing fans were able to follow the races via the livestream provided by the world federation FISA. According to Matt Smith, the offer was very well received by the rowing community.

Double workload for the organizers

A total of 100 volunteers were deployed during the regatta weekend. In addition, the team led by regatta course manager Mirko Günther worked extra shifts to meet all the requirements necessary for the safe execution of the European Championships.

Thomas Küpper, Chairman of International Wedau Regatta e.V., expressed great satisfaction with the restart of rowing:
“I am happy and relieved that everything went so well. I would say that due to our safety concept, we had roughly double the workload compared to a normal regatta. That’s why it feels especially good to receive so much recognition from the officials, but above all from the athletes.”