"VAN" (Sports Desk - 21.05.2026) :: The 2026 World Rowing Cup series is about to get underway, with the first event of the season taking place in Seville, Spain.
It has been nearly 24 years since Seville last welcomed an elite World Rowing event, following the 2002 World Rowing Championships. This return to the Andalusian region marks a significant moment for the sport, with a strong and diverse field assembling for the opening regatta of the season. A total of 37 nations have entered 499 athletes across 215 crews, highlighting both the global reach and competitive depth of the World Rowing Cup series.
Competition is expected to be particularly fierce in the single sculls events, which once again attract some of the largest entry numbers. In the men’s single sculls, the spotlight will fall on reigning Olympic Champion Oliver Zeidler of Germany and reigning World Champion Stefanos Ntouskos of Greece, both of whom return to international competition as leading contenders. On the women’s side, the single sculls also features a compelling line-up. Ireland’s Fiona Murtagh, the reigning World Champion, will face Olympic Champion Karolien Florijn of the Netherlands, who returns to international racing for the first time since the Paris Olympic Games.
Beyond the single sculls, the regatta entries reflect a broad mix of experience across all boat classes, with returning Olympic and World medallists competing alongside a new generation of athletes stepping up from the Under 23 and Under 19 ranks. Across the board, the depth of entries signals an important early benchmark for crews as they begin to build towards the World Rowing Championships later in the season.
The 2026 World Rowing Cup I will take place from 29 to 31 May at the La Cartuja High Performance Center in Seville. Situated along the Guadalquivir River, the venue offers a unique competition environment, with a 6 km natural course running through the heart of the city. Known for its calm waters and reliable racing conditions, the course has previously hosted top-level international competition and now returns to the World Rowing calendar.
The host nation, Spain, will also be well represented across several boat classes as they compete on home waters. With a mix of experienced international athletes and younger rowers stepping into the senior circuit, the home team will be looking to take advantage of familiar conditions on the Guadalquivir and deliver strong performances in front of a home crowd.
As the first regatta of the international rowing season, Seville offers crews not only the opportunity to test their speed against the world’s best, but also to establish momentum heading into the months ahead. With a strong field confirmed and competition set across all boat classes, the 2026 World Rowing Cup I promises a high-quality start to the season in one of rowing’s historic venues.
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