Revised Lane Draw: POR GER NZL FRA DEN GBR
Can GB make it three from three?
High drama as GB’s Purchase comes off his seat! It’s within the equipment failure zone (first 100m) so the race can be restarted.
The crowd are anxious as it takes minutes for the crews to return to the start and settle. GB’s M4- parade the lake with their medals.
Restart.
No problems this time as GB get a canvas lead. Adrenaline must be in full flow. Apparently the problem was a broken wheel. GB are half a length up at 1750m with Denmark in second. New Zealand are in third a few feet down on the Danes at 500m. Denmark make a move and close a foot on GB. GB sculling strong and clean. They lead through 1000m. It’s still half a length at 1500m. NZL trail by half a length and could finish strongly. New Zealand lift but it’s Denmark who are moving now! Debnmark closing and closing as the finish approaches. The crowd urge GB on and on! It’s Denmark by feet!
- DEN 6:37.17
- GBR 6:37.78
- NZL 6:40.86
- FRA 6:42.69
- POR 6:44.80
- GER 6:49.07
UPDATE: One of the wheels on Purchase’s seat failed. The French appealed while on the water. The basis of the appeal is uncertain; could be that it was outside of the 100m zone, or that there was no failure of equipment. The incident was investigated but the original decision was upheld. The results stand.
