The “Deutschland-Achter” rowing team won the oldest prize in eight-man rowing on July 4, when they triumphed at the Grand Challenge Cup at the Henley Regatta in England.
The team, who are Suunto Ambassadors, beat New Zealand in a thrilling final, after knocking out a strong Canadian team in the semi-final.
Said cox Martin Sauer, “This win is part of the journey that we want to take leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
Trainer Ralf Holtmeyer, who has never lost a race at Henley and celebrated his eighth victory there, said the team remains focussed on the Games in two years time but is happy with the win at Henley.
The team trains with Suunto t6c Red Arrow heart rate monitors, using GPS PODs to measure speed and distance while on the boat and Road Bike PODs while on land. A Team POD, which is designed to increase the effectiveness of group training, is used when all eight are rowing together.
The team’s next target will the finale of the rowing World Cup in Luzern, Switzerland before building up to the European Championships in September in Portugal and October’s World Championships in New Zealand.
More information about the Deutschland-Achter at www.deutschlandachter.de.
Images by Carsten Oberhagemann/ Deutschland Achter