GB’s mixed coxed four of Alan Crowther, Naomi Riches, Vicki Hansford and Alastair McKean also got off to a positive start in their campaign to win Britain’s fourth consecutive world title winning their heat on Monday.
The defending world champions were given a run for their money by a strong German crew. The two boats battled hard throughout the heat, with the German boat eventually crossing the line in first place. The host nation however were however later relegated to last place when it was discovered that their boat was underweight, putting the GB crew in a good position ahead of Thursday’s semi-finals.
Meanwhile in the women’s arm’s only single scull, defending world champion, Britain’s Helene Raynsford, suffered from an asthma attack during her heat, before eventually finishing in fourth place. She however made a return to form on Tuesday, winning the repecharge, ahead of 2006 bronze medallist Martyna Snopek of Poland, to book a place in Saturday’s final and secure Britain a place at the Beijing Games.
Britain’s mixed double scull of James Roberts and Karen Cromie came back from a fourth place performance in Monday’s heats to win their repecharge on Tuesday. The duo will now race again in Thursday’s semi-finals.
The 2007 World Rowing Championships take place in Munich, Germany from August 25 to September 2. The championships will act as a qualifier for the 2008 Paralympic Games, as the top eight boats in each event will secure a place for Britain in Beijing.
