Bardolino Lake Flag Race Concludes Garda Rowing Festival 2023

The regatta taking place tomorrow night in Bardolino concludes the Garda rowing festival with the awarding of the Lake Flag 2001. This edition, marking the new millennium, was launched in June with the Salò regatta and presented in a renewed format compared to the past.

For over thirty years, the coveted trophy, represented by the blue Garda flag, was awarded to the quartet of rowers first classified at the end of a series of itinerant races held in various tourist towns around the lake. With the new regulations, the Lega Bisse has chosen a path to increase both the spectacle and competitiveness.

This is especially true with the evening prize, which is limited to the top two finishers in each of the three qualifying heats, leading to a final of six teams on a shortened course.

Results of the races and final standings

Indeed, all seven itinerant races were dominated by teams from Verona, with the Ichtya di Peschiera quartet winning three consecutive times (Gardone, Garda, and Lake Iseo). The same goes for the Bardolino team, winning the evening prize first in the opening race of the championship, then at Gargnano and last Sunday in Cassone di Malcesine.

The Bissa Garda, with a single sprint victory in Lazise, nonetheless demonstrated a crew with consistent performances, finishing with five second places and a third, ending with a total of 196 points — two points behind Ichtya but twelve points ahead of Bardolino.

The top six is completed by Clausanina with 174 points, followed twenty points behind by Portesina, while the Foscarina di Gardone secured its spot only after a runoff against Serenissima di Salò.

Preparations and expectations for the Bardolino race

Six crews will compete in Bardolino on Saturday, vying for the prestigious Lake Flag.

Predicting which boat will prevail remains difficult, as, at least for the three teams from Verona, their strength is evenly matched and a single misjudged stroke could wipe out their entire summer’s efforts.

Nevertheless, the lane draw remains a key factor, favoring crews racing along the shore, while those on the outside must contend with sometimes rougher water, which can be more challenging than usual.

Details of the competition and final scenario

The course covers four laps totaling 1,500 meters with three turning buoys, for all three finals, involving a total of 17 crews.

There is no doubt that it will be an exciting, carefully organized event, appealing not only to the tourists flocking to the lakefront but also to enthusiasts of Venetian rowing championships.