Coventry is twinned with the German city, Dresden, as both suffered extensive bombing during WWII. Being the sole student rowing club in Coventry, UWBC has thrice attended the annual Dresden Cup since its inception. Have a read of Greg’s (our SM Captain) account of the trip... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The time trial: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Drawn against the burly Dutch of Eindhoven, the boys’ eagerness to rip big watts only increased when it was revealed our two substitute rowers from Dresden had competed in the Junior World Championships. A spirited performance from the boys gave us the 5th qualifying spot with an average 500m of (1:23.95). ⠀⠀⠀⠀
Race day: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The flag dropped and 9 crews set off toward Dresden at a blistering pace, aided by the swift current of the Elbe. Sandwiched between two Dresden Universities, Warwick quickly settled into a pounding rhythm and easily overtook a crew containing a former Olympian to put themselves into 4th position. At the front of the pack, Grasshopper Club Zurich pushed out to a healthy lead. Meanwhile our plucky Warwick lads and their German brethren rapidly closed in on the Polish behemoths of Wroclaw. The gap was reduced to under a length but unfortunately a strong headwind decided to blow down upon the race. There was no change in positions as the crews crossed the finish line but our Warwick boys were pleased with the outcome. After a terrific medal ceremony in the city centre, the boys decided that food and alcohol was required to round off the experience. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Overall a great rowing event, UWBC Men were honoured to be invited and will gladly return to support the Dresden Cup in years to come.