NZ to host 2010 world rowing champs

New Zealand rowing is overjoyed to have been granted hosting rights to the 2010 world championships on Lake Karapiro but the hard work, on and off the water, is only just beginning, says Rowing NZ chief executive Craig Ross.

The International Rowing Federation (Fisa) announced overnight that New Zealand had won the hosting rights and that decision would go to its congress in August for ratification.

Ross said today the plan to was field a team in every class at the world championships and present the best venue possible for rowers and spectators.

Waipa District Council had pledged to spend $5 million on developing the environs around the Waikato lake and Rowing NZ's task was to provide the facilities, and amenities for a world class regatta course.

"We are confident we will present a course that is one of best in the world."

The lake last hosted the world championships in 1978.

Ross said performances on the water and full support from the Government and local authorities were strong factors in New Zealand's favour.

The New Zealand bid was presented to Fisa in Munich, Germany, a week ago.

The New Zealand delegation comprised Rowing NZ chairman Bill Falconer, board member and two-time world champion Mike Stanley and Ross.

The Netherlands also made a bid but their man-made course which met minimum requirements mostly was not popular with rowers.

A Fisa inspection panel had visited Lake Karapiro venue in March and said in its report that it was one of the fairest courses in the world they had seen and that the lake was one of the most picturesque in the world.

Rowing's achievements since Rob Waddell took gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, and those of Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell and the four gold medals at last year's world championships were another factor, he said.

- NZPA