Staatsloterij World Rowing Championships at the halfway mark!
The Staatsloterij World Rowing Championships have reached the halfway point, and TeamNL has already secured its first medal. Rower Femke van de Vliet claimed bronze yesterday in the lightweight women’s single sculls. In the coming days, plenty more medal opportunities await the Dutch rowers at the Bosbaan, which is turning more orange with each passing day.
Along the Bosbaan on Thursday, spectators cheered passionately from start to finish. With Femke van de Vliet’s bronze, the first TeamNL medal of the championships is officially in the bag. She was also the first Dutch athlete to arrive at the victory stage to celebrate her achievement alongside friends and family.
First time using the parc fermé
Following the finals on Thursday, the parc fermé was used for the first time. This is where the gold, silver, and bronze medalists gather. It is a special moment where medal winners can embrace their family and friends immediately after the race to celebrate their success. The media also meets the medalists here, yielding emotional interviews and stunning footage, adding a whole new dimension to the World Championships.
Full grandstands and an extra viewing spot along the Bosbaan
Interest in the World Rowing Championships has surged this week. The grandstands are well filled, and more and more fans are finding their way to the Bosbaan to experience the racing up close.
Starting Thursday, an additional viewing area opened for spectators: the Rabo Picnic Area. This gives fans a fresh vantage point to experience the races from a unique spot right along the water.
Special spectator train running from Thursday
The special World Championships train is also operating along the Bosbaan starting Thursday. Visitors can purchase a dedicated ticket to board during their selected time slot, offering a unique way to follow the races.
During the ride, an onboard guide shares fun facts and trivia about the Bosbaan and the World Rowing Championships. This provides passengers with extra context on their round trip about the venue where the world’s elite are battling for medals this week.
New medal opportunities for TeamNL
The championship still has plenty in store for TeamNL over the coming days. Friday’s schedule features two finals with Dutch crews: the men’s double sculls and the women’s double sculls, presenting immediate chances for more silverware.
Saturday promises to be another crucial day, featuring four finals with TeamNL crews—specifically, all the Dutch four-person boats (fours and quads).
With Van de Vliet’s opening bronze medal in hand, TeamNL can look ahead with confidence. The grandstands are packed, fans line the banks of the Bosbaan, and the battle for the podium is now truly underway.
