Typhoon delays Magdalena Lobnig’s world championship start

Magdalena Lobnig’s start at the Coastal Rowing World Championships in Qingdao, China, has been postponed from Sunday to Monday because of a typhoon, ORF reported. Training was cancelled on Saturday as strong winds and high waves disrupted the event.

The time trial in the Beach Sprint event was moved by a day. Lobnig, last year’s runner-up, said the change was “a good decision” because conditions would otherwise make the competition a lottery.

Friday’s training was already challenging, with large waves from the typhoon’s outer bands. On Saturday morning, an emergency evacuation was ordered as oars, tents and other equipment were blown through the air. Lobnig said competitors were now staying at their hotel, with the schedule still uncertain.

The storm was expected to peak overnight into Sunday, bringing waves more than two metres high. If racing goes ahead, the junior competitors will start first, giving Lobnig time to watch from the sidelines.