PHOTO: JULIA AND LUCY IN BOAT PARK

U23 WORLD ROWING CHAMPS  UPDATE

Participation is still on the rise for the world's under 23 rowers as over 880 athletes have confirmed participation in this month's World Rowing Under 23 Championships to take place in Brest, Belarus from 22 to 25 July. In total, 56 nations have entered along with New Zealand. In 2009, 830 athletes from 56 countries were present, making this year yet another record breaking entry since the event took on World Championship status back in 2005.

Formerly known as the Nation's Cup and the Match des Séniors, this is the sixth year that this regatta for rowers under 23 years of age has had "World Rowing Championship" status. It started in 1976 with 11 nations and 65 rowers participating. The event acts as a stepping stone for athletes on their way to the elite level, but who are still refining their skills.

For the first time this year, the finals of the World Rowing U23 Championships shall be rowed over two days: the women's four, men's coxed four, lightweight women's quadruple scull, women's pair, women's double and women's quadruple sculls shall all be raced on Saturday after 16:30 (local time), allowing some athletes the chance to double up in a Sunday final.

The New Zealand team have been training in Racice and all is going to plan, says team manager James Sheehan. "Well it has certainly been an absolute scorcher over here, with constant temperatures of 40 to 43 deg Celsius. The crews have adapted well to the temperatures and settled into their training. Generally they are on the water by 6.45am after a light breakfast then have a further row away from the prime mid afternoon sunshine at around 4.30 pm.

"Earlier in the week after a full morning of inter team racing we headed into Prague. Such a beautiful city but it has the prices to match. The team enjoyed the brief 1 hour 30 guided tour of the main city sites including the Cathedral and former President's residence from the communist days. Magnificent architecture and gardens."

Lucy Strack, Julia Edward( Rotorua), (lightweight double scull)

Laura Fischer ( Rotorua), Ali Burnside, Lucy Spoors, Sarah Gray (quad scull)