This edition would be the 43rd of the Gyas vs De Hunze race
It is known as the equivalent of the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race in the UK, and is one of the most important rowing competitions of the year in the Northern Netherlands. But this year, the race in Groningen between the associations Gyas and De Hunze may have to be cancelled, so reports the Groninger Internet Courant.
Preparations for the 43rd Gyas-Hunze Race are in full swing. In normal years, hundreds of rowers would come to Groningen this weekend for a rowing competition over the water between the Berlage Bridge and the boathouse of rowing club De Hunze.
Due to the abundant rainfall of the last few weeks, the water level in the Hoornsediep is too high for rowers to pass under a bicycle bridge. At the Gyas boathouse along the Noord-Willemskanaal many competing boats travel up to the course by water: the boats are too heavy to carry around for a longer period of time. There are seven bridges on the 2500-meter route that rowers must pass, but at the moment the water level is holding steady.
Another possible cause for cancellation is the expected strong wind. If it blows harder than wind force 6, it is too dangerous to run the race. With wind force 7, the entire event will be cancelled.
The organisers of the race will constantly monitor the situation and make a decision on whether or not to go ahead no later than Friday morning.
Image via the Groninger Internet Courant (GIC)
