Exciting season ahead after strong performances at Para-Rowing Trials

There were a host of impressive performances when the GB Rowing Team Para-Rowing Trials took place at Caversham last weekend.

Competition was particularly strong in the trials for the mixed para coxed four, in which Britain won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and three successive World Championships.

Tom Dyson, GB Rowing Team lead coach for para-rowing, said that a number of crew permutations would now be tested in training ahead of the 2015 International Para Rowing Regatta in Gavirate, Italy next month.

“Speeds across the LTA4+ testing were particularly encouraging and it’s great to be in a strong position with several viable options following a winter of progress across all of the rowers in the squad,” he said.

“We now have the exciting challenge of translating this into one world-class unit capable of building on last year’s success.

“There were some good performances all round during the weekend and we have got plenty to work with going into the season.”

Tom Aggar raced against the clock at the Trials as he looks to build on his return to form in 2014, which culminated in an AS men’s single scull silver medal at the World Championships.

Laurence Whiteley of Tees RC and Scott Meenagh of Strathclyde Park RC raced each other in the TA men’s single scull, with Whiteley coming out on top.

Dyson added: “We did not test the TA women during the Trials but are working to put a double scull crew together during the summer.”

Jordan Beecher did not take part in the Trials due to injury.

After the Gavirate International Regatta from May 15-17, the British para-rowers will be in action at the second World Cup in Varese, Italy from June 19-21.

The big target for the year ahead is the World Championships in Aiguebelette, France, which doubles as a qualification regatta for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.