Manson wins as New Zealand claims five golds and a silver at Rowing World Cup

Rower Robbie Manson has beaten countryman and two time Olympic gold medallist Mahe Drysdale at the Rowing World Cup regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland.

28 year old Manson dominated the final, with the win securing him New Zealand’s single scull spot for the Rowing World Championships to be contested later this year in Bulgaria.

 "I just stepped it up progressively throughout the race but was able to ease off towards the end. This is one of my favourite places to row so it's great to have won here,” Manson told World Rowing.

39 year old Drysdale placed fourth as he continues his rowing comeback following time off from the sport.

Four other Kiwi crews also won gold, with another taking silver on the final day of the regatta.

The women's eight led the charge and were dominant in their race, sitting at the front of the pack throughout to claim a comfortable two second victory.

The women's pair of Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler then continued their unbeaten streak, holding off the Canadian crew to win by 0.4 seconds.

Above: Prendergast and Gowler

Up next the Kiwi men's pair of Thomas Murray and Michael Brake completed their return from injury to win by 0.65 seconds over France.

Double scullers Brooke Donoghue and Olivia Loe then recorded a comfortable win, finishing 2.6 seconds ahead of the pack for their second World Cup gold of the season.

Lightweight double scullers Zoe McBride and Jackie Kiddle won silver in their final, finishing two seconds behind the Polish crew.