Harvard challenge looks bigger and better
Waikato University rowing eight's opposition in this Saturday's Great Race will be a little bigger and possibly a little better than teams of the past.Ivy League university Harvard has brought graduate rowers to New Zealand instead of a senior crew because of the US' strict collegiate sporting rules.
Assistant coach Bill Manning said this crew's target had been to peak in May and June, but being a few months beyond from that should not harm them too much.
"The people in this boat have all had tremendous success and have the experience to put up a big fight."
He said this race, which is 5km up the Waikato River, was very different to anything his crew had raced before and, while it wasn't the longest race they compete in, having a current to contend with was new.
"The water here is very tricky and is going to require a lot more knowledge than what we have already. We've been talking to people and watching videos, there's nothing like this (the Waikato River) at home," Manning said.
The Harvard crew only saw the river up close for the first time yesterday, but Manning didn't think his crew would be disadvantaged.
While the race is being treated with the utmost respect by Harvard, they have also made the most of being in New Zealand on what is both a rowing trip and a holiday.
"We've been to the (Waitomo) caves and the beach.
"We're here for rowing, but we're going to make the most of the opportunity of being in New Zealand too." The crew have been based at Lake Karapiro - a facility Manning seems to enjoy.
"It's phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal.
"It's going to be a great, great place to contest the world champs and I need to find a way to get back here for that."
Manning himself was part of the US coaching team at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and, while none of his crew have Olympic experience, they do boast a world champion. Mike Blomquist was part of the 2005 US world championship-winning eight and will sit in the sixth seat on Saturday for Harvard.
Manning was hesitant to make a prediction, but did say his crew would be up for the challenge.
"I would say were expecting a very tough race and we're confident in our ability in a tough race."
The Gallagher Great Race day kicks off at 7.30am with corporate rowing heats and goes all day before the Waikato women's eight race Melbourne University for the Bryan Gould Cup at 1.40.
The men's race starts at 2pm.