Men’s Eight Protest Rejected

Great Britain’s protest against the disqualification of its men’s eight after yesterday’s repechages at the World Cup in Poznan, Poland, has been rejected by the FISA (World Rowing Federation) Jury.

The men’s eight had suffered a rudder failure whilst winning their repechage – a result that would have put them into today’s final.

Cox Acer Nethercott was forced to steer the eight using his hand in the water and, during this time, the British rower’s oar blades went into the water briefly in the racing lane being used by the Chinese.

"The incident with the men’s eight was unfortunate as they raced extremely well to win their repechage and were looking like potential medallists tomorrow", said GB Team Manager David Tanner on hearing of the exclusion.

Great Britain lodged an official protest at the exclusion as they were over a length ahead of the Chinese at that stage and felt they had not interfered with the other crew.

The FISA Jury, led by its President Stan Komornicki, considered the protest at length but ultimately  rejected it late last night.

The Chinese will now compete in today’s final.

Meanwhile Britain has nine boats competing in  finals this morning with conditions dramatically different to the hot, windless racing afternoon of yesterday.

Poznan’s skies are overcast, with a swirling but mainly cross tail breeze and the odd rumble of thunder in the air.