Ourc Win Again In China
July 27, 2013
After travelling cross country from Chegdu to Wuhan the OURC womens 8 have won again in China. In a unique race format the times from the heats were combined with the times from the final to determine the overall winner over two 1km races. The Otago crew were able to win both races and come away undefeated in China.
Due to illness the victorious crew from the previous regatta was slightly changed with reserve Nicky Shanks replacing Morgan Shepherd. However this did not disrupt the crew and they were able to comfortably win the heat. In the final the other crews threw everything at Otago and the Parisian crew were able to take a length lead and hold Otago off until 700m at which point Otago took control. Otago went on to win by length.
In the 40 degree conditions the Otago crew was by far the best prepared having worked with the University of Otago School of Physical Education on a heat acclimation protocol in the schools environment chamber which simulated the race conditions. Otago also made use of ice vests developed at the university to combat the heat.
The crew now continue touring China before returning to New Zealand next week
It is also worth noting that over the last 5 years of China regattas Otago crews have finished on the podium in 4 of them including two 1st place finishes (2009 and 2013).
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