Historical 3 mile race shows plenty of life with international competitors delaying flights to take part
Dozens of competitors vied for glory as a revived historical race celebrated its 100th anniversary with perfect whether and boat length wins.
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A burgeoning mate versus mate rivalry between the Gold Coast and Brisbane had the competitive juices flowing for a revived historical rowing race showing plenty of life.
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The King’s Cup, or as it is colloquially known Three Mile Race, went off with a bang on Saturday with competitors so committed some postponed international flights to set oar to water on the Brisbane River.
Event organiser and Australian rowing stalwart Michael Toon said perfect weather greeted 81 competitors on a day which saw mere boat length margins over the famed 4.8km event, which followed the exact course first raced 100 years ago.
Rowers started one mile downstream of the Gateway Bridge and finished just before Brett’s Wharf.
“The day went extremely well,” Toon said.
“It really showcased how exciting the sport can be on the river and was a great tribute to the action that must have occurred 100 years ago when the races were first held on the Hamilton Reach. Everything came together including the weather.”
Anderson crew – so named in honour of the first Queensland women’s crew to win the interstate race in 1954 – took out the women’s race.
Anderson stroke Ellen Pozzi competes in the USA and delayed her flight specifically for the event, as did Sarah Tisdall in a display of “outstanding commitment”.
And the men’s race was won by the Gold Coast’s Hinze crew.
Coached by Beijing Olympics Gold medallist Duncan Free the crew, named after the famed Gold Coast dam, set down the challenge for next year’s race with a classy performance.
Toon congratulated all crews on “very courageous efforts” and giving their all over the long distance.
Winning stroke Ellen Pozzi came in for special mention for keeping an “irresistible rhythm” while “well coxed” by Bess Egerton who steered “a great course”.
The men’s race saw a great comeback by Wyaralong crew coached by triple Olympic medallist Bo Hanson, however they fell just short by a boat length; a very narrow margin over three miles.
Toon said Wyaralong’s spirited fight back was bolstered by a fierce effort from its seven seat and winning captain of last year’s race, Dave Carter.