New Zealand’s rowers made a commanding impression at the 2025 World Rowing Cup in Lucerne, delivering standout performances and securing multiple podium finishes on the iconic waters of Switzerland’s Rotsee. From blistering sprints in the singles to hard-fought battles in the big boats, the Kiwi crews once again reminded the world why Aotearoa remains a global force in rowing.
The regatta, often called the “Lake of the Gods” for its still water and fair conditions, was the final World Cup event of the season. While Great Britain took the overall World Rowing Cup title, and Romania topped the Lucerne medal table, it was New Zealand’s rising stars and established pairings that caught the eye heading into this year’s World Championships in Shanghai.
Ullrich seals sensational maiden gold in men’s single sculls
A performance that captured the spirit of Kiwi resilience came from Logan Ullrich, who claimed gold in the men’s single sculls—his first in this boat class and just his second major international start since transitioning from sweep rowing in the U.S. college system.
Ullrich was third at the 500m mark and dropped to fourth at halfway, but showed superb composure and stamina to surge past athletes from Germany, Norway and the neutral team AIN. Crossing the line first in front of a packed Lucerne grandstand, Ullrich’s performance was hailed as one of the breakout moments of the regatta.
“I dreamed about this for years. I didn’t think it would come this quick in my sculling career. I’m just blown away,” said Ullrich.
Silver for men’s pair in a fierce duel with romania
New Zealand’s men’s pair of Oliver Welch and Benjamin Taylor also put in a world-class showing, going head-to-head with Romania’s reigning European champions. The Kiwis matched the pace early, pushing out ahead of the field with their Romanian rivals. While Romania gained the edge in the second half, Welch and Taylor held off a fast-finishing Swiss crew to secure a well-earned silver.
This marks a consistent upward trajectory for the pair, who have been developing form across the season and now sit among the favourites heading into the World Championships.
Bronze breakthrough in women’s four
In the women’s four, New Zealand’s crew delivered a gritty performance to snatch bronze, rowing through Great Britain’s lead boat in the final 500 metres. With the USA and Australia out front, the Kiwis showed late-race strength and composure, reinforcing their place among the elite crews in this class.
Their finish was all the more impressive considering the depth of competition—with multiple national squads fielding two entries apiece, and strong results from Varese being put to the test.
Near miss but clear momentum in the men’s double
The men’s double sculls final was among the tightest of the day, with Finlay Hamill and Benjamin Mason powering through in the final sprint to claim silver—just 0.05 seconds behind Serbia. The Kiwi duo held their nerve under pressure, coming from behind to overtake Ireland and secure New Zealand’s fourth medal of the regatta.
Looking ahead
With four medals—one gold, two silvers and a bronze—New Zealand concluded the Lucerne regatta with a strong sense of momentum. The team’s blend of youth and experience is shaping up well ahead of the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, with Logan Ullrich’s single sculls victory in particular offering a fresh dimension to New Zealand’s medal prospects.
The international rowing calendar now enters a longer pause before the Worlds, offering crews a window to refine technique and build endurance. For the Kiwis, the Lucerne results provide both confidence and motivation.
“Lucerne has always been a testing ground for where you’re really at,” said one Rowing NZ coach from the sidelines. “We’ve had some standout performances, but we know there’s more speed to find before Shanghai.”
