Rowing - Rome City Institute
Have any question? US Office +1 (816) 616 2298 Main Campus +39 06 9762 5083 info@romecityinstitute.com
Rowing shells at Circolo Ondina on the Tiber River
Rome City Institute rowers carrying a boat at Circolo Ondina
Rowing boats on the Tiber River at Circolo Ondina
Rome City Institute rowing shells at Circolo Ondina
Athletics · Rowing

Rowing at Rome City Institute

Train on the historic Tiber River in partnership with Circolo Ondina, under the technical direction of an Olympic medalist. The program combines academic excellence with high-performance rowing, aligned with Italy’s nationally recognized federation system.

3x/Week
On-Water Training
2x/Week
Strength & Conditioning
Program Overview
A Professional Environment on the Tiber

Rowing in Italy represents discipline, tradition, and international competitiveness. Through Rome City Institute’s partnership with Circolo Ondina, our student-athletes train directly on the historic Tiber River within a structured program aligned with the Federazione Italiana Canottaggio (FIC), combining on-water technical sessions with structured strength and conditioning.

Rome City Institute rowers on the water at Circolo Ondina
Coaching from an Olympic medalist
Training on the historic Tiber River
FIC-recognized competition system
Combined on-water & gym training
Academics paired with high-performance rowing
Historic Circolo Ondina club setting
Coaching
Learn From the Best
Head Coach · Technical Director

Raffaello Leonardo

Raffaello Leonardo is an Italian rower and Olympic medalist who represented Italy in multiple Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the coxless four (4–). Throughout his career, he has been a key figure in Italian rowing, contributing both as an athlete and as a technical leader. Athletes benefit from his visibility and credibility as a nationally recognized Olympic figure, with mentorship rooted in elite international experience.

Contact the program: rowing@romecityinstitute.com

Training Schedule
Balancing Water Time and Strength Work

The program is designed to balance on-water technical development with off-water strength and conditioning, developing strong technical foundations, endurance, and race readiness throughout the season.

On-Water Rowing

3 Days / Week

On-water rowing training at Circolo Ondina on the Tiber River.

Gym & Performance

2 Days / Week

Gym and performance training with the RCI Performance Department.

Flexible Volume

Performance-Based

Training volume can be increased based on the athlete’s level, goals, and upcoming competitions.

Competition Pathway
Compete at National Level

Athletes enrolled in the program compete in official Italian rowing events organized under the Federazione Italiana Canottaggio (FIC), gaining experience in both endurance and sprint formats.

October – February

Endurance Circuit

A series of long-distance races that test stamina and consistency, forming the base of the athlete’s endurance training during the winter months.

Main Season

Single Races

Independent regattas that are not part of a championship circuit, varying in distance and boat type (singles, doubles, fours, and more).

Autumn–Winter (Oct–Feb): Endurance races, long-distance regattas, and indoor rowing competitions build fitness and technique.

Spring–Summer (Mar–Jul): The main regatta season, including national and regional championships, sprint races, and coastal rowing events.

Late Summer–Autumn (Aug–Sep): Club regattas, beach sprint events, and preparation for the next endurance season.

Facilities
Our Home · Circolo Ondina

Located on the Tiber River in Rome, just a few steps away from the main campus, Circolo Ondina provides a unique and historic training setting at the heart of Italian rowing culture. Training directly on the river offers athletes daily exposure to real racing conditions, technical boat handling, and endurance development within an active, competitive club environment.

Rowing boats docked at Circolo Ondina on the Tiber River
Rowing shells at Circolo Ondina on the Tiber River

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