The ultimate motivational boost for young Swiss talent
The successful premiere of the Talents Cup, the new mixed format of the LUCERNE REGATTA and SWISS ROWNG, was crowned in the midst of the world's elite on the Rotsee. The first champion is Seeclub Zürich, the medals were presented by top stars of the scene.
It was just as it would be at the big events on Sunday and as it always is at big events. The winners of the medals lined up behind the smartly dressed ladies of honor and waited for the signal, while behind the barriers their relatives positioned themselves for the best snapshots. Then came the big moment when the members of Seeclub Zürich and those of Seeclub Luzern (silver) and See-Club Zug (bronze) were allowed onto the jetty and the announcement was made: “The medals will be presented by the Swiss Olympic medal winners Roman Röösli and Andrin Gulich.”
In the sweltering midday heat at “Göttersee” at the latest, it was now clear to everyone why they put in so much effort in their daily hard training sessions. So that perhaps one day in the distant future they will be able to smile for the cameras on an even bigger stage. And when the victorious quartet drove back towards the start zone, they were given a special reward in the form of applauding spectators.
The final phase, in which the local Lucerne team once again put pressure on Seeclub Zürich, was the ultimate proof of the quality of the entire first “Talents Cup”. The races were exciting and the standard was high.
21 clubs took part in the three qualifying regattas on Lake Lauerz, in Schmerikon and in Cham, with each boat consisting of an U17 team of two girls and two boys. The six clubs with the highest number of points from the three qualifying regattas reached the final: Seeclub Zürich, Basler Ruder-Club, Seeclub Luzern, Ruderclub Thalwil, See-Club Zug and Rowing Club Bern.
And now they were able to compete in the midst of Olympic champions, world champions and other role models – much more in the public eye than usual.
Mixed events are also generally en vogue
Mixed competitions are also trending internationally. At the World Championships in Shanghai in September, a mixed eight will be part of the program for the first time, and more mixed events are likely to follow soon. The Talents Cup is also a first legacy project for the 2027 World Championships, which will also be held on Lake Göttersee.
The entry fees for the mixed U17 double scull races will be waived for the clubs and will be paid to the regatta organizers by SWISS ROWING and the LUCERNE REGATTA. At the final, a total prize money of CHF 5,000 will be distributed to the six clubs, which will be used in full to promote young talent. The project is financed by private donors and sponsors.
