BROOKES|Rowing success at Ratzeburg and Metropolitan Regatta’s

On a busy weekend for the entire group, Oxford Brookes students returned to Ratzeburg, Germany for the first time since 2018.

The Brookes Men’s Eight took on top competition from several German U23 crews. Showing more promising speed Brookes convincingly won by over 10 seconds on both Saturday and Sunday despite challenging conditions making for tough racing.

The Men’s Coxed Fours took home Gold and Silver on both days also taking victories over international competitors. The Men’s Coxless Four took Silver on the first day of racing behind the top U23 competition – they were victorious on Sunday after some changes to the German line ups.

In perhaps one of the most exciting races of the weekend, Saturday saw the Brookes Women in two matched Eights. The race lead exchanged three times down the course and both crews remained within a second throughout. A very exciting finish saw the crews finish just 0.7 seconds apart!

On the Sunday, German and Danish U23 crews made for a challenging climax to the weekend. The 1^st VIII powered out to an early lead and continued to stretch their margin over the field until the finish line. The Brookes 2^nd VIII finished just over a length down on the German U23 crew.

In the meantime, Brookes also competed domestically at The Met Regatta held at Dorney Lake. In strong cross wind conditions, Brookes secured the Men’s Academic Eight Pennant after the Time Trial and went on to finish 6^th in the A-Final. The Brookes Women’s 3rd VIII secured 10^th after claiming 2^nd place in the B-Final.

With a few weeks left of the season, Brookes athletes continue to focus their efforts towards the pinnacle of the season. Racing returns in two week’s time at Henley Women’s Regatta and Marlow International Regatta.