After one of New Zealand's most successful ever World Rowing Championship campaigns in Poznan, Poland the official FISA flag - held by the next host nation - was handed over to New Zealand and the countdown to Karapiro 2010 had begun.

Gold medals from Mahe Drysdale, Duncan Grant, Eric Murray and Hamish Bond and the lightweight double scull of Peter Taylor and Storm Uru highlighted the exceptional form of the New Zealand elite team this season and was a reminder - if anyone needed reminding - that Aoteroa will host the next World Championships between October 31st and November 7th next year.

To mark the occasion, FISA handed over the host flag to Rowing New Zealand Chairman Bill Falconer at a special ceremony that concluded the final day of racing in Poznan.

"We've known for almost four years that we were going to be running a championship," explained event CEO Tom Mayo, "but it is still exciting to receive the flag which really says 'you're next'. The final countdown to Karapiro 2010 has really begun now and what a way to mark it - with four new World Champions who will defend their titles on home water in 2010."