Cambridge University Eight gives Karapiro 2010 the thumbs up

Cambridge University's rowing team have given a resounding ‘thumbs up’ for the 2010 Lake Karapiro World Rowing Championship venue ahead of this weekend's Gallagher Great Race.

The Cambridge crew, used to racing on the choppy River Thames, have spent a few days on Karapiro preparing for their clash with Waikato University this weekend and think the course will be tremendously popular with the international teams and athletes in 2010.

"As a rower you get used to some pretty dull and boring venues for racing. Man made lakes and endless rivers for starters, but the minute you arrive at Lake Karapiro you can see it's tremendously scenic," explained Cambridge University Boat Club President Henry Pelly.

"Not only that, but it really is a vast expanse of water where you can always find good conditions. There's obviously plenty of work going on with facilities as well. It was great to train there.

"With Hamilton and Cambridge both nearby and a population that can't do enough for you and also knows a bit about rowing New Zealand should be a superb world championship venue."

The Gallagher Great Race - the seventh in the series - takes place at 1pm on Sunday 7th September. Cambridge is the only crew to have defeated Waikato University on their home water and are determined to put in a repeat performance. More information is available at www.thegreatrace.co.nz