Ladies Trophy and Holland Beker, who to watch?

This weekend, the historic Bosbaan in Amsterdam will once again be the stage for the Koninklijke Holland Beker. This annual regatta, held since 1886, attracts top athletes from both national and international levels. Rowers from all over the world come together to participate in an event known not only for its challenging course but also for its rich tradition and the sporting honor associated with it.

The Bosbaan provides the perfect venue for this rowing competition. It promises to be a weekend filled with intense competition, exceptional performances, and unforgettable moments. Let’s look at what we can expect during this edition of the Koninklijke Holland Beker.

With the Paris Olympic Games on the horizon, the Ladies Trophy and Holland Beker events promise a thrilling experience. While there are fewer races this year compared to last, the streamlined schedule allows for more focused and intense competition. Spectators can look forward to witnessing top-tier athletes giving their best performances, ensuring an exciting and memorable event for all rowing enthusiasts.

Holland Beker

The Holland Beker, in addition to the top Dutch rowers, also features international rowers and a lot of rowers who are going to the Olympics this summer!

We are happy to see that rowers from all over the world are coming to the Bosbaan to participate. First of all, Stephen Cox, who has had his selection confirmed to represent Zimbabwe at the Paris Olympics 2024. He starts next to Jelle Bakker, a local up-and-coming rower from Amsterdam based club Nereus. 

Pieter van Veen is also competing in this heat. He will be racing alongside Niki van Sprang, a Dutch rower who competed in the men’s coxless pair at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

In the third heat, we have Bojan Reuffurth from Switzerland, who also participated in the 2023 World Rowing Under 23 Championships. He is in the heat with Matt Long, who rows for Great Britain. They are also with Lucas Keijzer, who is also going to the Olympic Games this summer and participated in the 2024 European Rowing Championships last year.

Sunday afternoon we will watch the final race. We’re curious to see who wins the race this Sunday afternoon! And who knows, perhaps this will give us a glimpse of the Olympics coming up this summer! Best of luck to all rowers.

 Ladies Trophy

After securing World Cup bronze in Lucerne last weekend, last year’s Ladies Trophy winner Emma Twigg has returned to New Zealand to continue her Olympic preparations. However, we are happy to welcome back racing at the Bosbaan quite some athletes in this year’s Ladies Trophy event. 

First, we are happy that Paraguayan athletes Alejandra Alonso Alderete and Nicole Martinez Gonzales also entered the Ladies Trophy event this year. Alejandra came in 4th in last year’s B-final and Nicole 4th in the C-final. We are sure they are determined to secure a spot in the A-final this year! 

We are also glad to welcome Holland Beker 2022 BW2x winner Vwairé Obykohwo (GBR) back. After winning the Holland Beker, she took back a bronze medal from the U23 World Championships. This year she has won the UK Mark Less award for up-and-coming female and male rowers. So we expect she has a good chance of taking home another Holland Beker medal. Joining her from the UK is Ellie Cooke, the fastest U23 sculler at the national trials this year. We are excited to see her row here this weekend! 

Next up is Juliana Faralisch (DE) who rowed to fourth place in the A-final last year. With last year’s top three missing from this year’s entry list, she is sure one of the main contenders for this year’s win! However, we are sure that the very fast Dutch national team rower Nika Vos will do her best to secure herself that highest podium spot. Joining fellow Dutchy Nika are Martine Kamminga, Sidni de Ruiter, Jente Jongsma and Mia Freischem. Martine came in third at the Dutch national championships where Sidni finished fifth.

Olivia Negrinotti (SUI), Chiaki Tomita (JPN) and Audrianna Boersen (USA) complete the entry list of this year’s Ladies Trophy. Olivia is a young Swiss talent who came in 4th in the BW2x at the 2023 World Championships. Chaiki and Audrianna are both lightweight rowers that should be equally matched. 

The top races are, of course, the Ladies Trophy and the Holland Beker. However, the other crews will also deliver fantastic races. We wish you all the best of luck this weekend! 

Preview freshman races

Fresh at the start! 

This Saturday, the esteemed tradition continues as the top six crews of the Freshmen Classification are once again invited to compete at the Koninklijke Holland Beker. While no points are at stake for the classification, anticipation runs high for an exciting weekend filled with top-tier rowing competitions. Let’s explore which freshmen crews have the honor of participating in this prestigious event.

Men’s Heavyweight Eight (HEj8+)

Gyas is currently leading, followed closely by Skøll and Njord. Njord has won four out of the seven races so far and is only one point behind Skøll. So we definitely expect a tight battle between those top three crews. Asopos de Vliet, Vidar and Proteus-Eretes complete the top six and will undoubtedly do everything they can to go home with a beautiful Koninklijke Holland Beker medal.

Women’s Eight (DEj8+)

Having won six out of seven races, Gyas firmly leads the ranking. Skøll holds the second place with a narrow margin over Njord and Argo, who are tied for third.  Orca and Phocas round out the field. It remains to be seen if Gyas will win again this weekend. With tight races at the last couple of regattas, all eyes are on Gyas to see if they can secure a seventh victory. The stage is set for an exciting battle as the competition unfolds this weekend.

Lightweight Men’s Eight (LHEj8+)

In the Lightweight Men’s Eight category, Proteus-Eretes leads with 53 points. Despite a strong start to the season, they have recently lost their rhythm. Skøll, Njord, Argo, Skadi and Phocas are all in the mix for the win. With the exception of Njord, each team has secured a victory this season, making it anyone’s race. Which of these six teams will cross the finish line first this weekend at the renowned Bosbaan in Amstelveen?

Lightweight Women’s Four (LDEj4*)

Gyas boasts a formidable lineup this year, leading in the Lightweight Women’s category as well. After winning the last four races, they are undoubtedly eager to secure a fifth podium finish this weekend. Argo’s crew, currently in second place, is also one to watch. Despite being in fifth place, Skadi has shown promising form, coming close to victory in the last race. The crews from Njord, Phocas and Skøll round out the field and could surprise us with a win this weekend. 

Women’s Four (DEj4+)

In the Women’s Four category, the competition is heating up as Saurus, Argo, Skøll and Theta are all closely tied around the 50-point mark. These four teams have been neck and neck throughout the season, making it anyone’s race to win. Following them is Asopos de Vliet with 27 points, who will be looking to close the gap and potentially upset the frontrunners. With such tight standings, this weekend’s race promises to be thrilling.

Men’s Four (HEj4+)

Phocas leads the pack with 57 points, demonstrating their dominance this season, especially after winning the most recent race. Njord follows with 48 points, showing remarkable consistency throughout the season. Euros, holding third place with 41 points, has also secured a race victory and is a formidable contender. The battle for fourth place is intense, with Dudok van Heel and Gyas both vying for the spot. Asopos, having just made the Holland Beker top six by edging out Okeanos by one point, adds another layer of excitement to the competition. Given Phocas’s recent momentum and impressive performance, they are the favorites to win this weekend. However, with Njord’s consistent showings and Euros’ potential for an upset, it’s anyone’s race. 

It promises to be an exciting battle between these talented teams. Good luck to all participants!

The KHB picnic is back!

Don’t have lunch plans yet this weekend? Enjoy a picnic on the Bosbaan on Saturday and/or Sunday while cheering at the Koninklijke-Holland Beker. When you order a picnic basket you will receive everything for a perfect lunch by the water. You can already register for a picnic basket via this link: https://forms.gle/Na9NUDjr8q3F7At38

Road works highway A9

Due to the closure of the A9 between junction Badhoevedorp and junction Holendrecht, heavy traffic with long delays is expected on the S106 Amstelveenseweg / Amsterdamseweg. It is recommended to travel to the Bosbaan by public transport or by bicycle if possible. See the infographic below for more information.

 

Entry deadline extented

After receiving multiple request we have extended our entry deadline to Monday May 27th till 11:59 PM. We are aware that the registration system doesn’t show the adjusted deadline, but be assured that all entries will be accepted till the new entry deadline. After the deadline late entries are possible, please contact us using our details.

Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science (AISS) hosts SportUp Boost Closure Event

SportUp Boost Amsterdam is an national initiative located in Amsterdam to bring startups in the realm of sports or health to life. It consists of a three-month program that offers vital guidance and promotes networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs kick-start their ideas within the specific sport and health sector. With over 12 reviewed applications, four startups have participated in this 3-month program. The entrepreneurs were informed, evaluated, and engaged in various themes with the aim of further validating and testing their health or sport businesses.

During the closure event, the entrepreneurs will share their improved business ideas with the audience and convey their passion. The event also offers a great opportunity to make new connections and get inspired with other entrepreneurs and experts. During the network moment there is more time to get more info from these start-ups.

Want to know more or sign up directly? Please read this article on the AISS website.

When at the Bosbaan..

The prestigious Koninklijke Holland Beker has an intriguing history of locations that highlights its evolution over the years. Initially held on the Amstel River in Amsterdam when it was founded in 1886, the regatta soon outgrew its early venue due to its growing popularity and competitive stature.

In 1920, the event found a new home at the Bosbaan, also in Amsterdam. This move marked a significant upgrade, as the Bosbaan, opened in 1937, is one of the world’s oldest artificial rowing courses, specifically designed for high-level rowing competitions. This venue provided better infrastructure and more spectator capacity, elevating the event’s status.

The Second World War brought interruptions, but post-war expansions in 1949 further enhanced the Bosbaan, solidifying its reputation as a premier rowing venue. Today, the Bosbaan remains the permanent home of the Holland Beker, known for its fast waters and excellent facilities that meet international standards.

The Bosbaan’s continual improvements and its prime location in Amsterdam have made the Holland Beker a magnet for top rowing talent worldwide. Especially this year, the Holland Beker serves as perfect preparation for rowers aiming to compete in the upcoming FISU World University Championships at the Willem-Alexander Baan in Rotterdam and the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England.

We are eager to see what the Bosbaan has to offer to its rowers and look forward to welcoming you to one of the most beautiful rowing courses in Europe.

Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science (AISS) hosts knowledge seminar during Koninklijke-Holland Beker 2024

Alongside the esteemed Koninklijke-Holland Beker event, we’re excited to organise a special knowledge session: “Rowing in the near future” as official side-event, located directly at the shore of de Bosbaan at the first of June. AISS has partnered up with the Koninklijke-Holland Beker for creating the perfect atmosphere and a great spot for networking and meeting new people. We will have three sessions of approximately half an hour about three highly relevant topics inside the sports or rowing.

Want to know more or sign up directly? Please read this article on the AISS website.