 Both crews rowed well from the start at 40 and 44 respectively, this speed afterwards falling to 32–36.The boats moved along rapidly side by side, but, in spite of the calls made by the strokes, neither crew showed any unevenness.Belgium led by about half a length at the boathouse, but the Norwegians had a lot in reserve and, after a brilliant finish, where the four rowed like one man, the last-named crew passed the post a clear length in front.