Word around the Sydney Worlds was that Moscow will no longer be hosting the 2009 Worlds. The story seems to be that a recent rowing event in Moscow was so poorly organized (no boats available on race day) that the IDBF will not risk a similar debacle. Possible 2009 locations are Poznan and South Africa. If anyone has further details, please post.

I heard Poland.

Poznan - Beautiful town square and friendly people, but I've been there - done that - and froze my butt-pad off for 4 straight days in mid-August of 03. Near-hypothermia on the starting line? Thank you, no.

South Africa please.

Capetown was an interesting destination, but the harbour there is completely inappropriate for the world championships. You can't even fit a full 500m race course, let alone 1000m.

Joburg might be different, don't know.

johannesburg... murder capital of the world. if you don't get carjacked on your first day, you'll get knifed 'n sliced on the second.

yeah. good move.

I say we hold the races in Tehran. There are no homosexuals to worry about.

Plus Iran has 50 quite new Plastex boats and is an IDBF member! What a strange world it is indeed...

hmm, so they do have dragonboats there, go figure....
can't be that comfortable to paddle in full track suits though.

http://www.payvand.com/news/06/aug/1083.html

Poland gets the next world's

"hmm, so they do have dragonboats there, go figure....
can't be that comfortable to paddle in full track suits though."

(Paddling in a hijab....in the heat, and getting wet... What an absolutely miserable looking experience.)

I'm absolutely delighted that Moscow lost out. I have no faith whatsoever in that city, or the country as a whole to stage any sports competition of that magnitude. It's been almost two decades since the wall fell, and they're still nothing but an economic, social, and political train wreck. The USSR would have had that thing running like a top -or someone would be off to the gulag- but things are completely out of control there, now.

Let them bid again in another couple of decades. Maybe by then the country will be on its feet.

"hmm, so they do have dragonboats there, go figure....
can't be that comfortable to paddle in full track suits though.

http://www.payvand.com/news/06/aug/1083.html"


AAAAAAGH!!! Dude! That's enough to make me quit the sport! A boat load of shrieking, grunting, sweating, muslim chicks. Very sexy.

(Excuse me while I wretch.)

I have met the Iranian women's team. They are one of the friendliest teams I have ever met; they are beautiful people, have excellent sportsmanship, and aren't bad paddlers. I can't tell you how emotional the interaction of our two teams was.
You are either stupid or looking for attention - or more likely, both.

That last comment was from Steve Blackburn

Nope. No homos on that boat.
They are out of sync though.

well my immediate reaction to some of the moronic comments is to laugh... as I do see humour in most anything. Having said that I think it's great and would welcome the opportunity to race / paddle in a country that on the fanatical political front pisses me off but as corny as it may sound dragon boating breaks down all barriers! Nothing better than to come together as recreational or professional athletes to participate in a historically significant activity such as paddling!

And now I will personally shoot all captains of the losing teams. Ready, aim...

"..The story seems to be that a recent rowing event in Moscow was so poorly organized (no boats available on race day) that the IDBF will not risk a similar debacle."

Yes, Russia did hold the European Club Crew Ch'ships in St Petersburg in early August, and yes, it was a complete disaster in terms of Russian organisation (I was there...). Even the Russian teams present were unsatisfied and puzzled as to the lack of organisation. Thanks to the IDBF officials and judges who put in a huge effort to make things work, and thanks to the effort of all the teams present, in true DB spirit, the event more or less was pulled together - in terms of racing, I mean (see the article at www.edbg.org). In terms of everything else, well, it left a lot to be desired and many teams signed a letter of protest. It is a real shame, though, that Russia let such an opportunity slip by. Despite the disorganisation, just being in St petersburg was unique (and this is what attracted many western european teams)... Racing in Moscow would have been fantastic... but if I had to choose, based on this experience, Moscow would certainly not even be an option for 2009...

What about Tampa 2009 and Moscow 2011?
I've been to Poznan and it was very well done but no desire to go back.

I think having it back in the US in 2009 would be a good bet.

Has there been any formal confirmation that the World's will not be in Moscow in 2009? I heard all the rumours in Sydney, but I haven't seen any formal announcement.

See the IDBF website for an announcement on Moscow. Excerpt: "...the IDBF Members did not confirm Moscow as the host City for the 2009 WDBRC.

A report from Victor Kisselev, President of the Russian Dragon Boat Federation (RDBF) told Congress that the Moscow City Authorities have yet to sign up to any organisational or financial support for the event. On the recommendation of the IDBF Council the Congress voted for additional bids to be accepted from the IDBF Members.

These are to be submitted to the Council by the 2 Nov 07, after which time a final decision on the 2009 WDBRC will be made. This decision, effectively gives Moscow a further 5 weeks to confirm its support in real terms or loose the Championship rights.

Although Moscow was not confirmed Miami was accepted by Congress as the venue for the 2009 World Corporate & Community Championship (WCorcom)."