Linz-Ottensheim is set to host the 2019 World Rowing Championships after being recommended by the FISA Council ahead of rival Hamburg ©Getty Images

Linz-Ottensheim in Austria seems set to be awarded the 2019 World Rowing Championships after the ruling Council of the International Rowing Federation (FISA) announced they would recommend their bid.

It was chosen as the "most suitable candidate" and is almost certain to be chosen by the FISA Congress when it meets on September 7, the day after this year's World Championships are due to end in Aiguebelette, France. 

The Austrian candidate, a joint bid between the city of Linz and Ottensheim, a municipality in the district of Urfahr-Umgebung in the Austrian state of Upper Austria, was picked ahead of Hamburg because FISA's Council claimed that the risk of disruptive wind was less at Linz-Ottensheim, while broadcast coverage in Hamburg would only be able to take place from motor boats.

Linz-Ottensheim, which hosted the Championships in 2008, also promised to temporarily close the connection to the Danube during the event so that there will be no influence on the racing lake.

As the event will be a major qualifying event for the following year's Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, "racing conditions take a higher priority" the Council said.

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Linz-Ottensheim last hosted the World Rowing Championships in 2008 ©Getty Images

The bids of both candidates were praised by FISA, who noted that both the Austrian and German Governments had pledged their full support and that each previous recent experience of hosting major events. 

Linz-Ottensheim had hosted the 2013 World Rowing Under-23 Championships, while Hamburg organised the 2014 World Rowing Junior Championships.

Linz-Ottensheim was one of four candidates for the Championships, with Hamburg, Racice in Czech Republic and Varese in Italy also having submitted bids.

The shortlist was then reduced to Linz-Ottensheim and Hamburg in May, with the final bids presented to the FISA Council in June.

“Having examined the detailed aspects of the bids submitted, and taking all relevant factors into account, both candidates would be able to stage excellent Championships,” the Council said.

“However, the FISA Council has selected Linz-Ottensheim as the most suitable candidate and proposes to the congress that the right and responsibility of hosting the 2019 World Rowing Championships be attributed to the Austrian Rowing Federation and the regatta course in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria.”

Next year's World Rowing Championships are due to be held in Rotterdam, followed by Sarasota in the United States in 2017 and Plovdiv in Bulgaria in 2018. 

Last year's World Championships took place in Amsterdam. 

If Linz-Ottensheim's bid is successful, it will be the third occasion the event has been held in Austria since it was launched in 1962.

They have previously taken place in Vienna in 1991.



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