The Union Flag flew high and proud over the glistening waters of Lake Rotsee on Sunday as Great Britain were crowned overall champions of the 2025 World Rowing Cup series, after a weekend of world-class racing that delivered two golden victories and a hard-earned bronze.
It was a day that reminded the world of Britain’s grit, determination and sporting excellence, as our elite rowers stormed to the top of the international leaderboard – bringing the coveted World Rowing Cup trophy back to British soil.
With 27 vital points won in Lucerne adding to the 45 already secured in Varese, it was a performance that left no doubt: Team GB are back on top.
Quad Squad Strike Gold in Epic Comeback
The headline triumph came from the Men’s quadruple sculls (M4x) where Cedol Dafydd, Callum Dixon, Matt Haywood and Rory Harris staged a dramatic sprint finish, overhauling Poland in the dying moments of a nail-biting final.
The Polish crew had led until the final 250 metres, but the British quartet surged with a force that can only be described as heroic.
“We showed true grit and willpower to get our bowball in front at the end,” said Matt Haywood. “Christian [Felkel], our coach says ‘it doesn’t matter where you come through, it doesn’t matter where it happens, just make it happen’ – and today it only happened in the last 250, but it was there.”
Rory Harris echoed the sentiment, saying: “It sounds weird to say, but I had total confidence in us… we just wouldn’t give up. Christian always talks about ‘keep inching’… and we just kept moving the whole time.”
Callum Dixon added: “We stuck to the plan… we’re stepping on each time.”
It was a breathtaking moment of British brilliance, and the celebrations were richly deserved.
Lauren Henry Shines in Solo Gold Glory
Also topping the podium was Lauren Henry, who held off a fierce challenge from Ireland’s Fiona Murtagh in the Women’s single sculls (W1x) to bring home another glittering gold.
“It’s special because the world is here,” said Henry, after crossing the line. “I’m going to take what I’ve learned in this racing block and put in some more work to find where I can improve.”
But her pride was even greater when speaking about the overall British team triumph: “It has been a team effort… so special for us to win the World Cup. I was told it was quite close earlier, so I’m really, really pleased that I managed to get the points we needed to win the trophy!”
Brinkhoff and Slabbert Battle to Bronze in Women’s Pair
In the Women’s Pair (W2-), Eleanor Brinkhoff and Megan Slabbert delivered a gutsy performance, taking bronze in a thrilling race just behind Romania and Czechia.
“We thought it would be a fight to get into the medals… it’s been a tough block of racing and training, but it has made us hungry for more,” said Brinkhoff.
Slabbert added: “The pair is one of the toughest events and with us still being fairly new into the senior squad, it’s exciting to be in the pack and winning medals at the start of the Olympiad.”
Proud Efforts Across the Board
There was no shortage of determined British efforts throughout the regatta:
- Women’s Four (W4-) crews showed their depth, with GBR1 (Bellamy, Irwin, Long, Stewart) narrowly missing the podium in fourth, and GBR2 placing sixth.
- In the Men’s Four (M4-), Jake Wincomb’s crew delivered a strong second in the B final, keeping the mighty Kiwis in their sights.
- The Women’s Double Sculls (W2x) saw GBR1 (McKay and Anderson) take ninth overall, while GBR2 (Nyland and Obukohwo) finished eleventh.
- Tobias Schröder and Jamie Gare battled to ninth in the Men’s Double Sculls (M2x).
- Veteran Tom Barras secured tenth in the fiercely competitive Men’s Single Sculls (M1x).
Back on Top – A British Summer of Sport Begins
As the sun set over Lucerne, the Union Flag rose once more – a symbol of victory, teamwork and British excellence. With Olympic dreams on the horizon and world titles in sight, this weekend proved that British rowing is not just back – it’s blazing ahead.
From the sweat-soaked triumphs on the water to the roaring celebrations on the pontoon, Team GB’s performance was a patriotic tour de force – and a proud moment for a nation that knows how to back its champions.
Let the world be warned: Britain is coming, oars blazing.
