THE 2016 Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships will take place in Cardiff’s Channel View leisure centre this Saturday.
After the success of the 2015 championship, which saw three 2000-metre records tumble, the organisers are preparing for an even bigger event.
The competition is open to all entrants (credit: WIRC).
“This year is going to be big because we have 100 more entries than last year,” said Daniel John from the Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre.
“It was brought about through the love of the sport and it’s grown year on year. River rowers use this kind of event to focus on getting a good score on their 2000-metre distance.
“A lot of indoor rowers will come but a lot of people will be here who just go to the gym.”
There will be 68 categories spread over 31 races starting at 9.30am, with the last race scheduled to start at the Grangetown venue at 4.35pm.
Spectators are encouraged to come and add their voice to the cheering crowd, and can view the event for free.
“People realise that we aren’t just trying to make money and we love the sport and love the event,” said Mr John.
Most of the races take place over 2000-metres (credit: WIRC)
“Kids, parents, brother and sisters, it’s free for everyone and you will end up shouting and screaming by the end.”
Last year, Andrew Sangster, rowing for MAD Team IRC, broke the record in the age 50+ category with a time of 6:21.3.
Anna Lewis, also representing MAD Team IRC, broke the record in the age 30+ event with a time of 7:10.6, while Justine Reston’s time of 7:17.5 for Q Power was a new record in the age 40+ lightweight event.
The Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships have been held in the Channel View leisure centre since 1998.
Rowers compete against the clock in the Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships.
