Ireland's Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy cemented their place as Europe's best as they added another gold medal to their glittering CVs in Munich on Sunday morning.
The reigning European, World and Olympic champions retained their European Championship title in the lightweight men's double sculls with a time of 6:34.72.
The Cork pair put on yet another model performance, picking up the tempo over the final 1000 metres to distance themselves from their opponents and win without exchanging shots.
Pietro Ruta and Stefano Oppo of Italy finished in second place in 6:38.40, beating off Swiss competitors Jan Schaeuble and Raphael Ahumada Ireland for the bronze medal in 6:39.37.
The gold medal earned on Sunday is O'Donovan's third overall and McCarthy's second at the European Championship level. O'Donovan also won the championship with his brother Gary in 2016.
The clinical, assured nature of Sunday’s performance will also serve as further warning to their rivals ahead of the upcoming World Championships, which take place in Racice in the Czech Republic next month.
Great days for Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy as they receive their gold medals after a brilliant performance this morning 🥇 🇮🇪 #Munich2022
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 14, 2022
Report: https://t.co/FZM1vJ9PyP #RTESport pic.twitter.com/eelxiuGSq3
McCarthy afterwards told RTÉ Sport's David Gillick, "It was a tough auld race." It took a little longer than usual because of the breeze we encountered, but it was good to be back in the double.
O'Donovan focused on his medical studies this year, which limited their opportunity to row together. He was eager to praise his teammate for keeping them in front of the pursuing pack.
That's actually all Fintan, remarked O'Donovan.
“Fintan really stepped up his game and he was the one who really pulled me through. I had an easy ride from there, which was good.
"He did a good job. He paddles well, very smooth, good timing, a lot of power, endurance - he has it all.
"I didn't do much!"
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