Daily briefing notes from the Press Office at Henley Royal Regatta

Today at Henley

When the German eight broke all the course records to win the Grand Challenge Cup in style from the British national crew, it symbolised a fantastic Regatta where new times were set, World Champions were overthrown and the massive crowds got the chance to see their Olympic heroes perform with just over a year to go before the London Olympics.

The Grand’s record had stood since 1989, when it was set by a German eight coached by Ralf Holtmeyer. Twenty-two years later, the same man produced a new crew to finally crack that time and they did so from the first stroke. Despite a spirited burst in the middle, the British could never get on terms to challenge the Germans and went down by one length.

Daily briefing notes from the Press Office at Henley Royal Regatta

Today at Henley

Today is Finals day at the Henley Royal Regatta with a programme of races starting at 11.30am.  A host of Olympic and World Champions will be in action from across the world.  Trophies for the winners will be presented by Sir Chris Hoy MBE the triple Olympic cycling champion at Beijing 2008.

Daily briefing notes from the Press Office at Henley Royal Regatta

Today at Henley

Today’s racing includes a full programme of semi-finals starting at 09.30 and finishing at 19.30. There will be 42 races featuring world and Olympic champions and medallists as well as leading crews from Universities, Colleges, Schools and Clubs across the 19 events.

Daily briefing notes from the Press Office at Henley Royal Regatta

Today at Henley

Racing starts at 08.30 with a full programme of quarter-finals. There are 64 races in store today finishing at 18.50.

Temple crews steal big guns thunder

On the surface, yesterday was a day that should be remembered for the first appearance of some stellar international names. Andrew Triggs-Hodge and Pete Reed disposed of their opponents with some ease in the Silver Goblets and Nickalls’ Challenge Cup.

Daily briefing notes from the Press Office at Henley Royal Regatta

Today at Henley - Big guns join the fray

After a successful day of exciting club, school, college and University rowing yesterday some big international guns appear for the first time today. 

All eyes on the Aussies

Australians were the talk of the boathouses yesterday.  All eyes were on their nation’s biggest ever Henley contingent, including many top 2012 medal contenders with many crews and rowers wondering just how strong they will be.  “It’s worked out perfectly for us”, said Australian team manager Ray Ebert, “to be able to race here and then at Lucerne next weekend.  We’re really looking forward to it”.