GB Rowing Team Final Trials Return to Caversham – Results
Trophies were awarded on the final day of the GB Rowing Team Final Trials
The Great Britain rowing final trials completed today, with finals across several categories to determine the overall Men’s and Women’s national squad small boat champions in the Men’s Pair & Women’s Pair, the Women’s Single Sculls & Men’s Single Sculls and Lightweight Women’s Single Sculls & Lightweight Men’s Single Sculls.
Despite several team regulars being unable to participate due to coronavirus, many of the squad’s Tokyo 2020 athletes were joined on the water by returning GBRT athletes, U23 athletes and new rowers hoping to make their senior debuts this season.
“We’re very happy to take the win but also happy that it was a really competitive race as it shows the team is in great shape for summer racing.”
The men’s pair (M2-) A final was a thrilling race which saw Matt Aldridge and Joshua Bugajski take the win only just ahead of Ollie Wynne-Griffith and Tom George. Tom Ford and Rory Gibbs took the third sport.
Speaking after the race, Matt said: ”That was very exciting. It was a strong start and we had a little sprint at the end but the Cambridge pair (Ollie and Tom) were pushing us all the way.” Joshua added: “We’re very happy to take the win but also happy that it was a really competitive race as it shows the team is in great shape for summer racing.”
Rowan McKeller and Rebecca Shorten took the podium spot in the women’s pair (W2-) ahead of Rebecca Edwards and Heidi Long. Rowan said: “We knew we wanted to get a good start and good rhythm and we’re pleased with the result.” Rebecca added: “It’s good to see people we have trained against doing so well. We’ve had a good start to the year, we’re in good shape and looking forward to getting out racing this Summer.”
“Ultimately it’s great to see such a tight field as it can only mean good things for the coming season.”
The Men’s single sculls (M1x) A final was won by Tokyo 2020 Olympian Graeme Thomas with Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Harry Leask and Tom Barras in second and third respectively. Graeme said: “That’s three in a row now so I’m pleased with the result. It’s not getting any easier and this was a tough field that included two Olympic silver medalists. Ultimately it’s great to see such a tight field as it can only mean good things for the coming season.”
The Women’s single sculls (W1x) A final was won by Lola Anderson on her first race in the senior squad, having performed successfully as an U23. Georgie Brayshaw and Kyra Edwards were second and third. Lola said: “I’m happy to have won today in my first senior race and looking forward to testing and crew combinations. We’re missing a few members of the squad at the moment due to Covid, so It’s going to be good to get them back as we look to the summer.”
The Lightweight category saw wins for Edinburgh University Boat Club with Maddie Arlett taking the title as fastest Lightweight Women’s Scull (LW1x) and Dale Flockhart winning the Lightweight Men’s single (LM1x) race ahead of Jamie Copus. Dale said: “It’s a good result for Scotland. The coaching team are so experienced and have really helped to lead me on!” Maddie added: “I had a strong race and am very happy with the result.”
Commenting on the weekend racing, Director of Performance, Louise Kingsley said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend. To have so many clubs and club coaches here and with the sun shining throughout has been great to see. There really was some outstanding racing across both days and I want to thank all the staff and athletes who have worked hard to organise the regatta, race so competitively and, of course, a big well done to all the winners.”
For Final results click here
