Teams Announced for Lenny Peters Cup
The US and world teams for the 2026 Lenny Peters Cup, Saturday, April 18, at Festival Park on Oak Hollow Lake in High Point, North Carolina have been announced. The Ryder Cup-style format, in which each race scores points towards the overall trophy, features eight elite U.S. rowers competing against an all-star international team.
Olympians Jacob Plihal, Grace Joyce, and Sophia Vitas are joined by national teamers Sam Melvin, Isa Darvin, Cedar Cunningham, Evan Park, and Caleb Nollenberger for Team USA.
“The Ryder Cup format means there is no room for error; every single point matters,” said race director Gene Kininmonth. “With five veterans hungry for revenge and the elite speed of Sophia, Evan, and Caleb joining the fold, Team USA is in a prime position to reclaim the Cup on home water.”
The World Team roster includes Olympic gold medalists Avalon Wasteneys (Canada women’s eight, James Rudkin, and Sholto Carnegie (GB men’s eight). Magdalena Lobnig (Austria), Martin Mačković (Serbia), Nikolaj Pimenov (Serbia), Katie Clark (Canada), and Beatriz Tavares (Brazil) round out the all-star elite squad.
“This isn’t just a group of great rowers; it’s a collection of the best athletes on the planet,” said Kininmonth. “With five Olympic medals in one boat, the World Team is the statistical favorite, but the Ryder Cup format at Oak Hollow often rewards the boldest racers over the biggest resumes.”
Across singles (1 point each), doubles (2 points), and mixed quad (3 points) races, the World Team and Team USA will vie for the 14 total points. Last year, the World Team won by a single point after prevailing in the final race by a few feet.
In addition to some of the world’s best scullers and rowers, the regatta includes collegiate, high school, and masters racing in a festival setting with food trucks, a beer garden, and VIP regatta lounge.
“We’re excited for spectators to watch this world-class field compete at Oak Hollow Lake,” said Kininmonth.
The post Teams Announced for Lenny Peters Cup appeared first on Rowing News.