By Tom Degun

e._coli_15-06-11June 15 - Both the French and Dutch rowing teams have joined Britain in withdrawing from this weekend's Samsung World Cup meeting in Germany due to concerns over E. coli.


The announcements come despite the International Rowing Federation (FISA) claiming that the event, which takes place at the newly renovated International Regatta Course in Allermoehe near Hamburg between Friday and Sunday (June 17-19), poses "no particular risk for participants" after conducting their own risk analysis in conjunction with the local Hamburg Government.

A statement on the French rowing website says: "Cancellation of participation of the team of France in the World Cup in Hamburg by health precautions", while a statement on the Dutch rowing website adds: "At the upcoming World Cup in Hamburg (June 17 to 19) no teams from the Dutch rowing team participate.

"This decision was taken in connection with the ongoing uncertainty about the E. coli bacterium in Germany."

As reported by insidethegames, Britain's rowing team pulled out of the event last week over the E. coli fears in a decision criticised by FISA.

Britain's withdrawal came despite the Foreign Office and Health Protection Agency not advising the team against travelling to Germany and warning them only to avoid eating raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce.

The German Rowing Association, which is organising the regatta, added that "there is no reason to cancel any big events in Hamburg" as they highlighted the successful running of a "top-class equestrian tournament with international presence as well as the largest junior rowing regatta" in the city last weekend.

Following the withdrawal of the British, French and Dutch teams, there are still 34 countries set to take part in the event.

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