UCD entered 2 eights in division 4 (category for Heavyweight Intermediate oarsmen) of the recent Heineken Roeiverkamp in Amsterdam.. The Heineken Roeiverkamp, held the weekend before the Gannon, seemed to be the perfect match of long distance races combined with short sprints.
Leaving mid-week gave the squad a vital two days training in a relaxed
atmosphere, away from watchful eyes. Nereus University Rowing Club played host to the two crews for their time in Amsterdam, the club also provided crews which UCD could train with along the river Amstel.
The weather conditions turned bad for the first day of racing, The crews were not sharp enough to cope with the short sprints (250m and 750m) which carried a great deal of importance in the allocation of points. Despite this the crews competed well in the longer distances with the first crew finishing second in the 5K event.
Basking in the glorious sunshine many Dutch spectators remarked on the relaxed nature of the two crews as they prepared for the 5k race. Once started the two crews settled into a competitive mind as they battled against each other leaving Dutch crews behind. The coaches considered this to be the best row the two crews have had, a fitting end to the trip.
