Victorian team captain David Crawshay has won his second President’s Cup after producing a stunning victory in Lake Barrington, Tasmania.
The President’s Cup is awarded to the winner of the men’s Interstate single scull, and Crawshay, buoyed by his success in the national championships earlier in the week, did not let Victoria down.
In perfect conditions Crawshay controlled the race from the start and crossed the line in a time of 6:54.64. Western Australia’s Jeremy Stevenson came home like a steam train to finish a boat length behind Crawshay, while Jared Bidwell (QLD) was third.
Crawshay has become one of the favourites of Australian rowing after his gutsy gold medal in the men’s double scull at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and was cheered on by a large crowd.
Crawshay said he always knew that the race would be a tough one to win.
“It was a strong field and I could see Jeremy (Stevenson) coming home pretty strongly,” Crawshay said. “It’s a great start to the day so hopefully we can carry it on in the King’s Cup.”
Crawshay will stroke the Victorian King’s Cup crew at 1.15pm today as they aim to regain the trophy from New South Wales.
The Interstate Regatta features eight races that combine to decide the champion state and winner of the Rowing Australia Cup.
