The best rowers in the world embark on Racice in the Czech Republic for the World Rowing Championships.
There are some teams and rowers to keep an eye on over the next week, so watch the sportsbook for any betting moves.
We look at the best chances in each rowing category.
Irish Duo on Top
The Irish pairing of Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan could continue their domination of the lightweight men’s double sculls.
They won the Olympic gold, and European Championships and they’re the current World Champion, so it’ll be a big upset if they don’t win.
Most of the early betting online action has come for the duo, but hot on their heels are European Championships silver medalists Stefano Oppo and Pietro Ruta.
Taking to the water will be 28 crews, including New Zealand’s Matt Dunham, who clocked the best time at the World Cup.
It’s one of the more high-profile events at the World Rowing Championships and it should create plenty of drama.
Tight Contest for Women’s Singles
There won’t be much between the top women’s single sculls with about four or five top betting chances.
Marie-Louise Drager is 41 years old but looking to turn back time with another World Championship title. She hasn’t had everything go her way in recent times, but experience and class counts for plenty.
She didn’t fire at the European Championships, but we expect rowing odds to have her safe in the betting.
Winning medals in Germany were Ionela Cozmiuc, Zoi Fitsiou and Martine Veldhuis. They wouldn’t look out of place winning a medal in Czech Republic, so they’re also worth following.
Men’s Pair a Highlight
The men’s pair event is one of the highlight competitions during the World Championships and it could be another Kiwi victory.
New Zealand has an excellent record in this event and the pairing of Matt Macdonald and Tom Mackintosh could keep that record intact.
They won the World Cup in Poland so they’re rowing well, considering they’re used to rowing in the eights.
“It’s been fun getting (to) medal out and showing those keen to see it, but day to day life is much the same and the focus now is to see what we can do in the small boat,” Macdonald told RNZ.
“It’s certainly interesting going from the big boat to the small boat, there’s a bit less admin involved with just two of us. It’s cool, it’s an exciting new challenge and I’m keen to see how we stack up against the competition.”
However, they’ll need to beat the likes of Great Britain and Romania, who have strong teams. Britain has Oliver Wynne-Griffith and Tom George, who were the favorites before Romania’s pairing won the European Championships.
We’re not sure if that form stacks up best against the Kiwis, given they can’t compete at the European Championships, but we expect all three pairings to be in the final.
