Aiguebelette Rowing World Cup

Very good morning under warm welcome to Aiguebelette for the 2014 rowing

Championships. A fantastic return to the international stage here for

Katherine Copeland, making it look, -- look very, very easy. Fabulous

result for the British. They are competitive from start to finish.

And on the line it will be a photo there. They are

And on the line it will be a photo there. They are playing now, they

are flying. Great Britain demolished the field here at the 2014 rowing

championship. Hello, three weeks ago Great Britain's rowers had a week to

remember in Belgrade when they won two Gold, four silver and three

bronze medals but now the rest of the world are turning up and things

are about to get more difficult. 21 British crews are in action in

France, this is going to be a qualifying course for the Rio

Olympic Games, and this is what we have in store for you. After years

in Afghanistan, Olympic champion Heather Stanning is back. I want to

be in a boat where there is world champions but like anyone in the

team there is a whole squad of people who would love to be in

there. A dog allergy mentor challenging winter for Pete Reed, he

spoke about his plans to get back into the Great Britain top boat. I

have to get back to my very best and I am perfectly happy with my

position in the group with the other guys. I have a lot to offer my

team-mates. After a bronze medal in Belgrade, can Kat Copeland continue

her comeback? Let's start with the men's coxless four. Featuring an

interesting quartet, two established figures, Alex Gregory and Andy

Triggs Hodge. This is one of the hardest winters I have experienced.

I had a few conversations with my wife, the what if stories. What if I

cannot get back into the boat? You can listen to the doctors and say

you will be fine, but to be so focused on single goals, they can

fall away quite easily and let your mind run away with you. Across all

sports you see athletes going through some really tough times.

Tennis players, rugby players, they all have major injuries, they all

have big life events, but the best athletes will come through. That's

why I've come through narrow, I'm really proud, really privileged to

be part of it, really proud to come through the winter I have. I always

like going to Belgrade, it is a wonderful place, a superb venue. The

people but on a great show. From the rowing side, yes, we certainly

ticked the box we needed to. We worked hard to put it together, it

has been a long winter, and to come out of those long sessions at

Caversham and put a nice race like that together is what we aimed to

do. Great Britain demolished the field here at the 2014 Rowing

Championships and they made it look easy. It was great to be part of are

very successful British team. The prospect of this four coming

together has been a very exciting idea for some time now. When it

finally happened, it was kind of, this is as good as I hoped it would

be. I have always said that as long as I am improving, I will continue

with the sport. What is fantastic is that this boat is part of that for

me. It is a very new, very exciting new toy and I love being in this

boat every day. It is a wonderful project to be part of. Squeezing

away for the first time, the final of the men's coxless four. Germany,

Canada, Great Britain in laying four. The USA in five. So much to

talk about in this race. The first time we are seeing the USA this

year, they were bronze medallists time we are seeing the USA this

year, they were last year. The first time we are seeing Australia, in the

middle of the picture there. But look, in lane number four already,

Hodge leading the boat out. In lane six they will be going hard out. At

the moment it is happening all this side of the lake and it is Australia

if anything. That middle lane have dropped back, which is surprising at

this point. Coming up towards the canvas, now half a length. The speed

of the British group, Andy Hodge there. The training they have coming

into regattas, they focus on the first 500, demolished the field. But

it goes through 500, kicking into the second 500 and now they are just

moving away. It is effortlessly done but they are concealing the power

because the River man technique is awesome in this group. It is

impressive to see. We knew they dominated the European three weeks

ago but the biggest threat was always going to come from Australia

and the USA. The British crew are showing them how it is done. Still

hanging on, gripping by fingernails at the moment, the USA. They know

they have two push. All of these boats will have to front-load their

race if they are going to keep with the British crew. Great Britain to

the right of your picture. We are getting USA, bronze medallists last

year in a fight with Australia, silver medallists last year. Smooth

rowing, and it looks so relaxed in that seat. They are not having it

all their own way but they are still pretty impressive. Canada up there,

Australia also. They haven't come into the same sort of pace into the

second 500. George Nash in the three seat. We know they have changed the

stroking around in training. Alex Gregory to the left of your picture

has tried it out in the stroke seat but Jurgen never gives away too

much. He knows he can always count on Andy Hodge and that is what he is

doing. That is Great Britain two to the left of your picture. They have

got to keep it steady in this third 500. USA a couple of feet over

Australia. The USA bronze medallist last year, Australia silver

medallists, returning with two of that crew. In the third 500 metres

now, in open water. A little call from the British group, open water.

USA, also pushing hard against Australia. Canada in laying two but

the gap has been opened up and we are through the 1500, we have a

length of clear water and that has been an absolutely phenomenal third

500 metres from the British crew and still they are greedy, still they

want more. You will see them push hard, they will want to lay down

again, scaring everyone away, and this is awesome stuff, Katherine. I

think the first 500 was closer than they felt comfortable. You can see

Andy finally feeling the rhythm they wanted, then they just stretched the

lead. They want to dominate this event. There is no such thing as too

much gap between you and the rest of the opposition and they will keep

going until they crush them. Australia, just moving again, and

the USA seem to be pushing every ten jokes. The USA are losing to

Australia. Australia might win the sprint for the silver but nobody is

going to touch the British crew. That is domination. They are right

on pace. The flow is just extraordinary, look at that. A

masterclass as they look for the line. The last few strokes here.

They have demolished the park twice in a row now this year, comfortably

dumb. Andy Hodge knows it is a job well done. On the line for the

silver, Australia, USA getting the third, and Great Britain's second

boat just coming over the line, out of the medals, but it was another

impressive performance. That was an absolutely dominant

performance. Yes, we had a good run today but it was good to do that

because we had more competition, the Australians, USA, the Canadians, so

we had to prove to ourselves but what we are doing is right. We have

just got to keep on that way, there is still more to come. Not perfect

yet but we are pretty pleased with today's's performance. The man on

your left, you looked pretty smooth. How phased were you by the

fact you have these opposition groups from Australia and the US

coming into your event? I wouldn't save phased, I would say excited. It

was really nice to have them here and see what would happen. A

fantastic second half of the race, I will just ask George Nash to your

left. George, you were flying in the second half of that race. The amount

you were putting between yourself and the crews behind you. Yes, we

had a bit of a game plan going into it to do some damage in the third

500. When you do a bit of damage, what are you doing? Just laying it

down? Just trying to not ruin it. No, you No, squeeze it on a little

bit, keep it travelling, maybe notch the rate of a little bit.

bit, keep it travelling, maybe notch the rate of a Andy, to your left, I

saw the little finger, not, we won that, but it was a long time until

the second group crossed the line. I wasn't watching the other crews.

There is a lot of Great British support here, this event put

together has been absolutely fantastic in preparation for next

year's World Championships. Where we can step up is making sure we get

the support in Lucerne next time, and make sure we dominate across the

board at Amsterdam. Here in the studio we have Olympic medallists.

We enjoy that enormously. Before we talk about the rowing, Mark, they

seem a happy crew. It seems they are enjoying their rowing. If you

enjoyed the people around, enjoy training. You can see the

performance was breathtaking. To win against that field with that margin

at this stage in the season, is dominating. It sends a strong

message to the other nations they have a lot of work to do. The race

was never in doubt. What we saw from them three weeks ago at the European

Championships, there was a huge gap at the first 500. This time, it was

closer at 500, but they lead over the next 1500 metres. In the end,

two different races. There is competition for places, you would

think, but when they produce such a performance, is there? Is the boat

secure? With those performances it is hard to change a combination. I

have not seen one row that economic leave for a long time. Are you going

back to Sydney? It could be that long. That efficient. The way they

move together. It is enjoyable to watch heavyweights rowing so

efficiently. Andy Hodd was talking about a back injury and going

through the winter, worrying about your body. People think it is a

great cardio sport, but low impact. But there is internal impact. Your

back is vulnerable by the nature of what you are doing. It is not like

running with impact every moment, but you have huge forces coming

through the legs, through the back and into the upper body. Everyone

has had some injury along the way. There are days whether you -- when

you question whether it will happen again. Andy is a bit older. The

older you get, injuries speak up on you and you have to look after

yourself in a different way than when you were younger because you do

not bounce back from injuries as quickly. It gives you a chance to

reflect on your shape and how to adapt and look after yourself. Is he

still the driving force of that boat? He is definitely the lead

role. He has done it so many times he is a driving force. We can move

onto the top women's crew Heather Glover -- Helen Glover and Heather

Stanning. Heather took time out to go back to her role with the Army in

Afghanistan. Matthew Pinsent caught up with her.

Seven minutes away from Olympic history. Helen Glover and Heather

Stanning. The crowd are roaring. They are making history! Great

Britain, into the record books. How do you sum up Bastian? Very

dusty and hot. It has everything you need, people around. Was it scary,

dangerous, I imagine everything is dangerous to a degree? You have to

do remember you are in a war zone, but I did not feel threatened. We

took body armour everyday and carried weapons, but I was doing an

office job. I felt happy in the environment I was in. The last time

I spoke to you properly was before you won the gold medal. I said to

you that if you win, it is going to be a great story for the Army. They

are not going to be bothered if you go to Afghanistan. That you said you

wanted to do the tour. Having the opportunity to go on tour and do the

job for real was important to me. If I am staying in the army, they

cannot credit me just with my rowing, I have to prove myself as an

officer. Do you enjoy them equally? Do you compare them like that? I

love being an athlete and the opportunities I have had and I loved

my time with the Army. I am not ready to give either up. The British

rowing honours board. Howard does it feel to have your own London 2012

section? The first time I saw it was today. It is impressive. When I

first came in here, I thought, wow, look at those people. Great

Britain's first gold medal of these Olympics. We were aware there had

not been a gold medal. I can't -- car put things into compartments

well. I thought about the race. There is an issue in the fact that

there are three of you who want to, and expect to, row in the pair. I

want to be in a boat with world champions. There is a squad of

people who would like to be in the pair, or in one of the other boats.

I have had a good year. I have less than three years until Rio, which is

just around the corner. We are away for the first time, back together,

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning since their magnificent gas in 2012

of the London Olympics. China in one, USA, three and four. USA two

and five. Great Britain against the United States of America. And five.

Great Britain against the United States of America guys on Helen and

Heather, first time together -- a lot of eyes. Catherine, although it

is the Americans, if Britain set down a marker, they will be in the

women's eight. A little pressure off Great Britain, but if they put in a

brilliant performance it sets the benchmark. Helen has won everything

since the Olympic Games. For Heather, it is the first time back

since that moment at London. They will have pressure, to be reunited

as a team. They are taking on four at the top American pairs. They will

double up for the eight later, which will be the American priority.

Already, they are showing what they do best and leading the race

comfortably. They are glorious conditions as we go through 500

metres. Great Britain are out to clear water. Catherine, you have

been here, leading in the early stages. -- Katherine Grainger. The

nerves can start to settle. You know you have speed, that is all right,

but in the second 500, what will go through Heather's mind? It is a big

day for her. It is a funny sport, you go backwards and watch the race

unfold behind you. If you have a good start, you watch the race and

can control it to an extent. They have a fast start, they do it in a

rhythmic, longer way. They will put distance between them and the rest

of the field. Heather and Helen are in a different race at the front.

Great Britain easing out from the four boats that will end up in the

USA women's eight. The benchmark, the Americans are world champions in

the women's eight from the World Championships last year. We have two

that our Olympic champions in the eighth. -- in the eight. They are

doubling up in the regatta. This is about the British crew laying down a

marker for the rest of the season. None of the USA crews are pairs

specialists. Heather and Helen have made the pair of -- the pair their

own. If the first 500 was good, the second 500 has been exceptional for

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning. Back in the women's pair for the

first time on the international scene of the two years, since they

stormed home at London 2012. They are making it look easy. They have

the gap, which is comfortable, what you do in the third 500, are you

still racing on the edge? Hopefully they will settle into a rhythm they

are comfortable with. The Americans will be competitive against each

other. They will try to establish a ranking behind them stop the leading

crew does not want a sprint finish suddenly from the crews racing for

the silver medal and bronze medal. You can get caught up in that race

if you are not careful. But these two are smart enough to know they

will not be caught out. 34 strokes per minute or Great Britain, which

is quite high, given that the race is under control. Heather Stanning,

29, last two years out. She trained while she was away. Coming back into

the team, it has been a long winter of the Heather, by her own

admission. They are now seeing the fruits of that as they move towards

the 1500 metres mark. Glorious conditions. This scene is set for

the return of Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, the Olympic

champions, eased out again over crews that are predominantly from

the USA women's eight, who you will see later. They are world champions.

We also have China, in Lane number one. Paul Thompson and Robin

Williams, the coaches of this partnership. It was brave to take

Heather out of the European Championships three weeks ago, but

they know what they are doing. In training over what happened, Heather

made a phenomenal comeback. She got back face fitness quickly. At the

top end is what you struggle to recapture. In the fourth quarter is

where she would come under pressure physically. They will not come under

serious pressure here. They can bring it in. They will want the

race, but they will not put in extra pressure that you would expect at

this crucial part of the race. They are definitely keeping the rate

high. They have another level to go if it was called upon. Heather

Stanning, in the stroke seat, easing up in the closing stages. Pushing

for the line. Still going hard. Helen is looking over her shoulder,

looking for the line stop the gap is impressive. Helen Glover, Heather

Stanning, they are back in style, comfortably done. Let's not forget,

they are racing for pride. They are reigning Olympic champions. Back for

the first time. Can they defend the title? And a fantastic job winning

the Europe union championships. It was a big Dave Heather. At the

regatta we had three good rowers rather than our final being good. It

shows this level of competition and keeping it there. How much pressure

did you feel coming into the regatta, after having time out

injured? I had time away to concentrate on myself. There was

pressure I put myself rather than anything else. It was lovely to get

back racing internationally and show what I could do. How close is the

boat to its best feeling? How did it feel compared to the Olympics? It

feels different, but for a good reason. We knew there was more we

could get from it. We have started on the journey of making

improvements. This is the start and in the next couple of years we will

see where we can get to. You have a big target. The rest of the world

knows what they have to do to beat you, how will you stay in front? We

never get complacent. There are targets on our backs and we are told

that by the crews racing. We are top dogs at the moment. That will not

last if we do not keep pressing. They are very much the pair for

everybody else to come for, and they? Yes, we saw four Americans

making the final pair and it is very unusual and it shows the strength

and depth of the American crews but the British really have scared

people away. Does that work on the basis that if you have a limited

gene pool to pick from for your team, do you target events? Clearly

Britain does. It almost opens up the way forward. That is the way a lot

of nations will work because not everybody has a full team some

nations will pick and choose what suits the athletes they have but

when you have accrued dominating the event like that, you will look

elsewhere to get medals. There is also a silent -- selection dilemma

because Polly Swann it has done a fantastic job. Yes, I think from the

beginning of this year Heather had proved enough to get herself back in

the pair and it is only because she wasn't quite fit enough for the

Europeans that Polly was brought back in so it was only right that

Heather was given another chance to race. Just explain without getting

too technical, what are the main factors that means one rower is

better with another? What are the determining factors that mean Helen

is paired with heather rather than Polly? Helen can work well with

either of them so her seat is safe. It is a good thing for that

combination because it will keep them on their toes, not just

worrying about the rest of the world but keeping their seats. Let's move

worrying about the rest of the world but keeping their seats. Let's on

now to the lightweight double sculls and the

but keeping their seats. Let's on now to the return of Kat Copeland,

she was paired with Imogen Walsh at Belgrade and they had an interesting

incident at the start of their race when they went into a metal post and

had to re-rig the boat. Anyway everything was well after that.

Let's see how they got on today. Italy are absent from this final,

nevertheless it is a high-class field and Great Britain have done

very well to get two boats will stop cat -- to get two boats. Katherine,

Kat has done well to come back, hasn't she? Yes, and she is loving

it. They had a problem with the boat in the warm up when they hit a sort

of stick things so not ideal and they still put in a great

performance to medals so I would like to see them even further up the

podium today. So they were bronze medals on that occasion at the end

of last month. Alongside them Germany got the silver medal so real

fight here in the middle and at the three and four are starting to lag.

Four great scullers in the women's team for Great Britain. A great job

Paul is doing. Yes, and it will be great to see this view for him. A

quarter of the race down. China, Sweden, Great Britain two, and the

first boat back in fifth place. That is OK, but they will now really

think about moving into a good, powerful with them. You would expect

that. Watch number four. It should start to ease back through, and

three for that matter. Hopefully number three as well, I would like

to see the British come through! Kat and Imogen will be disappointed with

the start. In a way, when you are over in lane one, to some extent

there is less pressure on you. You are not in the middle of the battle

and sometimes people forget where you are and sometimes you can have

an advantage sneaking up the sides. It shows the high level of

competition, not much in it. They are very strict on the weight limit

so the racing is coming closer together. Everyone has similar

height, weight measurements and it makes for very tight racing. China,

and in the bow seat they have a silver medallist from 2010. A lot of

rivalry in the couple of years running into 2012 there. Tight

racing, very tight. On the top, tailored just starting to ease

back. So, coming through the halfway mark of this race. It is now Sweden,

and Great Britain one, China in third position. Much better for

Imogen and Katherine and that will give them the confidence. They know

their speed is good and that gives them the platform to move on.

Katherine has looked a little to the right, just checking where Sweden is

in lane number six. Sweden fourth macro earlier this year, and ninth

in the European Championships last year. I think this is where the

experience and the standards come in. If you are sitting in this race

expecting to be at the front, you don't sit in the middle of the field

content with that result. They will not stop until they have moved back

through the field and it is great because the Swedish port in a

brilliant first half but they are dropping back now. They have almost

everything they could and is for Kat and Imogen to hopefully now deliver.

23 years of age from Tees rowing club, Kat Copland, Imogen Walsh in

the bow seat. A steely look of determination there. Good technique,

nice pick-up. You can see their race plan dictating, just unleashing

there. Great Britain easing out one length. A great side shot, you can

see how the boat flows along. We are through 1500 metres and that third

500 again, another really good effort. Not necessarily fireworks

require but just turning the notch a little bit, moving the speed, moving

the boat. In a way that is what a classy crew can do. There is no

moment of explosion in the race where you suddenly destroy the field

but you can move out stroke by stroke and nobody sees it happening,

no one witnesses the change but you have suddenly taken a length of the

field and the top crews can do it. If they can just think about

squeezing on, pushing, no pressure, they have nothing to lose here. If

they can really push on in these closing stages, get themselves onto

the medal podium, that will be a fantastic result. Out the front,

leading comfortably now. Still right on it but their race plan has come

together very nicely. Absolutely, and their coach has a very calm

head, keeps it fun, keeps it relaxed. They should have the

confidence, they should be able to think confidently in a race. They

have that chunk of water, and closing down on them meanwhile is

gigabits two. Piggott and Taylor for Great Britain, they could get onto

the medal podium here. Out the front they have opened such a distance!

Old for Great Britain and silver for Great Britain. What a fantastic move

from the girls at the top! The middle thousand a little bit unsure

for the second boat. But they came through. I hardly noticed them

coming through. Ellie Piggott makes Kat Copland look old frankly! That

is such an experienced level of racing. Ellie and Charlotte haven't

had a huge amount of experience behind them and they made it to a

silver medal podium behind an Olympic champion. That is not a bad

day at the office. We were really pleased because we

felt like we executed our race really well. It all sort of went the

way we wanted it to go. So you thought you would be cool and calm

in the first 1000 kilometres and lay it down in the third quarter? We

don't intentionally want to be behind. It is a two kilometre race

so we know that we have work to do and we keep trying to work on the

first bit but we played to our strengths well and we were

composed. Imogen, you have made a step up from the Europeans, you must

be delighted with your performance in this regatta? Absolutely. We have

made some technical changes since the Europeans and comment into this

with more confidence and belief and that probably helped us earlier in

the race when we weren't leading. And the lady behind you, Ellie

Piggott, just how does it feel to have that silver medal round your

neck and the World Cup regatta, what will they be saying back at home? It

feels fantastic. We have had a short time to get together but the setting

here is beautiful and we set out what we wanted to do, and we knew we

were there or thereabouts all the way through the race so it was a

case of heads down through the last bit and take it stroke by stroke.

Not just first but second as well, that is a huge statement of intent

across that discipline. I No, and it is a difficult event, the only

Olympic lightweight women's event so there are only two seats in the

country. To come first and second is exceptional for Great Britain. Great

Britain two has no real international experience yet so that

was a good start. Over the next two years, that is considerable

competition, isn't it? Yes, but that is the sort of competition you want

on a daily basis. Don't you want to say, this is my seat and I am fine?

The system doesn't work like that. Everybody has an opportunity to put

themselves forward. When you have got talent like that that have just

rocked up after one year in the sport producing performances like

that, they have so much to learn. Should there be more lightweight

categories as Olympic disciplines? By and large, with respect, they do

often produce better racers. Yes, because of the lightweight cut-off.

It is like if you put heavyweight categories and put them in, it would

make for tighter races. I think you could definitely argue the women in

that event who will not make it to the Olympics, you could easily have

made an Olympic place if there were more options available. Should there

be? But then what do you take out? That is the debate, and that's when

it gets quite nasty because we are used to a certain number of athletes

and a certain class of category but maybe with the Olympic movement that

might have to change in the future. It is something to be wary of as we

go to Tokyo and beyond. might have to change in the future.

It is something to be wary of as It is a good discussion point, but

let's stay with the lightweights, the men's lightweight four and with

the chopping and changing in the British team, lots of familiar names

but some unfamiliar ones here. Three of the four won silver in London.

Chris Bartley leads his men of the start as he has done so many times

before. Driving it up through the first ten strokes. Maximum speed.

The final of the men's light coxless four. The world champions, there

they are. So much going on here, an event that

crew average cannot exceed 70 kilograms. That 250, you can see the

level platform, still quite tight. It will never be boring, it is

always tight. It is a sprint from start to finish. The Danish four,

what an amazing record. They have a pride in that nation. It is the

flagship event for them. Denmark, if you track the rate of the crews

throughout the course, they will vary. They will be up and down.

Denmark go to 38 and stay on 38. None of that nonsense, we know how

to train, this is how we race! Great Britain, nicely done. Easing out.

They can transition to the second five. Denmark will hunt them down.

This is what is exciting. They are closely together. China in lane one.

New Zealand in two, Denmark, three, France, four. USA in lane number

six. New Zealand and Denmark, they were the crews who did the big

battle last year. New Zealand will start moving through and make an

impact soon. Just starting to take the race on in the black strip. The

Chambers Brothers in the British crew, closest to us. There has been

a change around. Peter Chambers has moved forward to two. A little

switch, splitting up the brothers. So much timing and training and

analysis done back at Caversham. They are looking left. Richard

Chambers in the three seat. We headed towards the halfway mark. The

final of the lightweight coxless four. New Zealand taking it through

the timing Park. Not much in it. In the mix, Denmark, the European

champions. The world champions. Look at that lovely picture. New Zealand,

silver medallists last year and a good effort so far. They are

fighting to keep ahead. If you look at Denmark, the same rhythm. The

same rhythm all the way through. They know they have one geared to

kick up on when it is called on. They do not need it now. Great

Britain, just slipping back a little of New Zealand. France are

disappointing, in fourth, they were one of the heat winners and went

direct to the final. At the moment New Zealand are holding the half

length which in lightweight men's four rowing is a comfortable margin.

The third 500 is starting to stretch them out. They are on the edge. They

have more than 50 strokes to go when it's called upon through the 1500

metres. Curtis Rapley in the stroke seat. Stretched out a little bit in

the last 100 up to that line. Less than 50 strokes remaining. New

Zealand will go one more time. Can Denmark, the world and European

champions, respond? They had that level platform through the middle

1000. They will have to switch on. New Zealand seem to have something

in reserve. Denmark have a big job on their hands. New Zealand do not

look like they are struggling. They are giving everything, but they have

a relaxed rhythm. Rowing like New Zealand can do. Denmark coming under

pressure from Great Britain. Great Britain will have to watch France in

lane four. Great Britain is starting to hunt down Denmark. Less than a

third of the silver medal position. New Zealand, they will look like

they will hold it on. Less than 100, up to the line, New Zealand, hats

off to them. The way they raced that second 1000. The British crew led by

Chris Bartley pushes for the final time. New Zealand get the gold,

Denmark having to hold off, getting the silver. Britain through in

bronze. It was close on the end between Denmark and Great Britain.

Out front, easily done. New Zealand getting the gold.

And a good performance. We will take a break from the action and talk

about Mark. What do you do when you have hung up your oar? Mark has

decided not to row, so he breeds the next generation of Mark Hunters.

There are 19 of you and we will have four boats on the water and four

people on the tag. You will have to push your legs in the right way.

After finishing in London it is, what will I do now? I have been

involved in a lot of things over the past 18 months. In February I was

given the opportunity to work as a programme director for the youth

programme. There has been made not going on but I am loving what I do.

The role has many different parts. I work with the coaches, give them

advice, get involved in coaching begins. It has been a knot of fun.

-- a lotta fun. Some of the kids are at performance level, training up to

twice a day. Others, it is their first or second time rowing. Enjoy

being outside. You can see their personality developing. I am

thoroughly enjoying it. There are many things I would like to see. A

kid starting this programme now and in 12 years going to the Olympic

Games, that would be the biggest thing. For me, it is giving them the

opportunity to take their lives in a different direction they had not

thought. Problems. He was the best? We are going to find out. It is open

to anyone. You do not have to come from an elitist background. I came

from the East End, a working-class family. There are opportunities for

everyone to get involved in the sport. This was a nice challenge to

come back where I started. I remember rowing as a kid when there

was nothing around here, there were just warehouses. I want to say I did

my bit and got involved to help rowing Grove the kids who might not

normally have the opportunity to take part -- to help it grow. What

is great is some of the kids had never thought about trying this

sport. Now they have the opportunity to get on the water. Some of them

will fall in love with it and some will not, but at least they have the

chance to try. As long as they do not fall in! That

is part of the BBC campaign. Everything on the website. That area

must be unrecognisable from when you first started rowing. It has changed

massively. It will keep developing over that side of London. To have

the opportunity for schools in the local area to start rowing, it has

been a lot of fun to see the kids start their journey. Hopefully they

will go on to race at these regattas. That would be uplifting.

One problem is you need water. If you have access to water, how easy

is it to get into the sport? You do not need a special background or to

come from a special place. Water helps, but a lot of people. On the

rowing machine. They can bring them into any schools around the country

and have a go. We talk about role models. These kids to have someone

like Mark, who started in the East End like themselves, and became

Olympic champion. When you know that is a potential opportunity, if one

of them gets involved in sport because they had inspiration, it

makes a huge difference. In sport you can tell, they have something

about them. When somebody gets in a boat, can you CD with the water? --

can you see the empathy with the water? You cannot tell straightaway.

Give them a chance to get involved and see if they have that side. The

mental side is a big part of what we do. We can go on to be men's pair.

The British crew up against the almost unbeatable New Zealand team,

who have not lost for five years. Would today be the day?

Away nice and clear. Easing off in the all-black strip of New Zealand

in lane number three. Francine one, Britain in two. Argentina alongside

New Zealand in four. Germany and five and Mexico in six. Hamish Bond

driving this pair out. Going alongside them, Argentina in four.

This Argentine pair raced the World Cup last year. They did not come

through to the World Championships in this combination. They have World

Cup experience. They know you have to go off quickly to rattle the New

Zealand crew. Hamish Bond, Katherine, forget what he is doing

in this pair 's race, he has beaten Drysdale, the Olympic and world

champion, in the single scull. We know Hamish Bond is exceptional.

They are down in the field at the moment. Germany came out fast.

France in the far side in front of the home side will try to do

something. New Zealand happy to sit in the pack and then wrote out

relentlessly into the fields. The technique on the catch is exquisite.

Argentina, in lane number four. Struggling with this pacesetter

down. Look at the catch. How efficient, Hamish is picking up the

boat and moving it on. It is a masterclass in how to race a pair.

They are not content to hold the gap, they want more and more.

Everybody is racing hard, but nobody can compete. Fantastic news that the

British pair. If they get on the podium, it would be an impressive

results. The French have not been shaken off completely, but from this

angle, Great Britain looking good. Murray and Bond from New Zealand,

they are hungry and greedy. They want more distance. They are getting

it and they are not in Top Gear. New Zealand starting 2014 as they

finished last year. Gold medal number 16 in a row. Look at the

distance. Silver for Germany and a well fought bronze for Matt Gotrel

and Bennett. Matt and Paul Bennett will be very happy with the bronze

medal. The gap is huge. Well done to the British pair, but

the Kiwis are good. We will look at the men's doubles. We have Jonathan

Walton and John Collins in the second event. Two finals. A young

combination. They are progressing well. The women, Frances Houghton.

They thought they were both going well. The Australians won it with a

convincing lead. Great Britain in lane six and also in the women's

Quad. Germany dominant, again. We wanted to see the Great Britain

women move up. They finished a disappointing fifth. The women's

squad looks like they need to start again at the moment. We can move to

the men's Quad. Lumbered in the stroke seat, leading them out. Now

the men's Quad. Lumbered in the stroke seat, leading them out. they

are up and running, two long strokes. Lehmann, the Czech

Republic, China in two, Germany in three, Great Britain in four.

For the next 200 metres they have got to establish a rhythm that

dominates... Interesting, as we go to Andy Hodge and his recent

addition to the family! Back onto this race. So Great Britain have

really now got to think about establishing the rhythm to move them

out here. Have that confidence because they know they have the

speed. It is just combining all of that. Germany had a slightly faster

start but it is early days. A quad start is almost as fast as an eight,

very fast. It is all to play for. Germany through by half a length.

Great Britain currently in the bronze medal position. That is the

sprint part of the race finished so now we get into the transition and

this will be vital for the British crew, confidence point of view. Get

into a long, smooth rhythm allowing for the boat speed. This is a

massive test for them because Germany now have a half lead and a

good, solid rhythm. The Brits have to keep their heads and eat away at

that lead, one stroke at a time. It will not happen in five or ten

strokes but hopefully in about 500 metres. The German crew looked to be

longer, look how long the blade is in the water to give them more

leveraged off the Finnish there. Great Britain, when they come under

pressure, the first thing you think about doing is shortening up and

then the speed goes. If you can have that faster speed at the start, you

can relax into your rhythm, your race plan, and dominate and dictate.

If you are behind you are chasing and sometimes that throws you out of

your natural comfort zone. It takes a cool head to stay with your plan

and move up. The Olympic champions Germany leading Great Britain. They

haven't managed to get away. The British on their left in lane three

have Germany the Olympic champions on their right, Canada closest to us

here in lane five. Peter Lambert in the stroke seat, just easing out.

Now the crews will be... They are in the area where there is a big push

coming on. This is where psychology plays its huge role because in the

third 500 things are hurting, it is challenging and you can start to

have doubts. If you are gaining momentum you start to feel you are

closing down on them. We want to see Great Britain creating an overlap

and that could make the change. Great Britain have put in a big

push, they have kept the length going and the crew has found the

speed they have often shown us in the second part of the race. They

are coming back on the Olympic champions and that doesn't happen

very often. It looks like they are drawing level as we speak. Coming up

to 1500, 15 or so strokes remaining in this race and the British crew

have found their form. They are in a platform, they have the platform to

push through. Germany have led them for most of the race here, and now

Great Britain, as they ease on every stroke, keep the length, boys.

Lambert in the stroke seat, Graham Thomas in the bowels, and we now

have two or three feet back from Germany as Britain go out to the

canvas. Timed very well here. This is exactly the way to do it. If you

find yourself down, take it one stroke at a time and with 500 metres

to go you have to lay it down. The last push now for Great Britain. The

Germans know that they have been beaten but Canada in lane five

coming on hard. Germany could be rumbled by Canada in five, but

outfront coming towards the line now, an impressive second 5000

metres here, led by Peter Lambert, they can enjoy the last few strokes,

job well done. A big statement here today, not just from the crews they

look back on, but this group goes from strength to strength.

That was an absolutely fantastic job, you generally had your head

down boat, didn't you? Yes, that's generally how it goes in quad

races. That was a really quick start today but really exciting, we came

through in the last 500 metres. Going to the big man, Charlie

Cozens, you had to lay it down in the last quarter of that race, it

looks like you were suffering. I have seen a few pictures and it

looks pretty horrific but when you are in the race, in the zone, it

doesn't hurt as much as it looks like. Really happy with the result.

Sam Townsend, pleased? Yes, I thought we executed the plan. Early

on in the race they obviously went out very strongly, the Germans, but

I could hear a lot of noise that was frantic so I always felt good about

our boat. We were very calm so as soon as we started edging I felt

good about the race. Is it a gold you were expecting? Yes, that is

when I predicted for the day and it has been great to see that crew

developed over the last 18 months. They were able to come through and

they knew what they had to lay on in the last 1000 metres. Talking about

consistency of selection, when you row with somebody for a long time,

is it that empathy that makes the difference between... I don't know

how much difference it makes, one length, two lengths, because you

know what everybody behind you is doing. Yes, communication is

essential because you have no time out, no time to pause in a race, you

are flat out the whole way. You can only see the back of someone and you

have an very minimal communication. If the race isn't going to plan, you

need to have absolute trust. One or two words will be set between the

crew and that time together is showing, they are coming good. A

couple of the other leading boats were not there and will be there in

Lucerne but you still fancy them to win. Yes, the long-term goal is to

win Rio but the dominance they are showing now with those sorts of

performances, I don't think they fear anybody. They are enjoying what

they are doing. Another combination that has fun around each other and

every race they are progressing and moving on. We are moving

The women's eight away. A little bit slow in the first couple of strokes

just to get off the mark by the USA, they are in lane five. The Germans,

current Olympic champions, two of that crew returning here and pretty

much all but one of that crew returning here and pretty

World Championships crew. The Canadians will be a crew to push

hard against the Americans, but in amongst it all, lane four, just

where they want to be, Great Britain. We have Polly Swann coming

into this crew, she has moved into the eight to strengthen this boat so

it will be interesting to see what she can do. Look at the Canadians go

in lane three, already half a length. You have got to race to 500

metres, get as much as you can, and from there it is about defending. In

the history of men's racing anyway and more and more so in the women's

boats you get and more and more so in the women's

won her first gold medal back in 1992. They split the Canadians from

the Olympic and defending world champions, good stuff here from

Great Britain. And China now into the second 500 metres. They are

showing some early pace but this is awesome stuff from the Canadians. We

have never seen the USA being led a length by another crew. As you say,

the coxing seat of that Canadian crew, she has had seven Olympic

Games and she is the voice of experience. Big calls coming out of

the American boat, Schneider in the coxing seat there. At the moment

Great Britain are stock now. It is going to be very difficult, when you

have one length in an, very hard. -- in an eight. It is maybe not a

surprise we haven't seen a fast start from them considering all of

them had a tough race only a couple of hours before. There are the

British girls, they all have confidence from Belgrade a few weeks

ago. A newly formed crew against Romania. The Canadians lead and the

US going through. That market is wrong. There it is, corrected.

Canada leading, US coming back, leading over Great Britain. Down the

American boat, we would expect in the third 500 metres that the

Canadians will just consolidate their lead. It will be a big ask

from the Americans to overhaul the Canadians. If they do that from

here, it will be some going. They are closing down the lead and let's

not forget the American eight have all raised earlier on today. Yet

they are making a dent on the Canadian lead. Great Britain being

led on the far side will stop they are just up on China, so as the

Americans just start to slip away from Great Britain, Britain have got

to watch China in lane two. Germany out of it at the moment, not looking

like they will be anywhere near this. OK, so big calls now from the

American cox, Schneider, telling the crew they will be coming back seat

by seat. Both crews away from Great Britain, 500 metres remaining and

the Americans have taken clear water over Great Britain, currently in

third place. They are in a battle with China for the bronze medal. The

United States of America are hunting down the Canadians and this will be

an exceptional sprints back from the Americans. It is USA against Canada

and the Americans look like they have got the better of them at the

moment. They have certainly got have got the better of them at the

moment. momentum on their side at the moment.

have got the better of them at the moment. momentum It is the Americans

who are faster to finish and coming in with a canvas over Canada with a

line fast approaching. They are on full whack now but they will have

two have another call. The Canadians are three or four feet down, it is a

matter of whether or not there is enough course on this. They are

through! That is a phenomenal second half from the American group. The

Americans have taken the race by the scruff of the neck. It has been

phenomenal. The second 1000. That is why the Americans are world and

Olympic champions. And here for the bronze, just, Great Britain, from an

unknown Chinese crew. Full Great Britain,

bronze, just, Great Britain, from an unknown Chinese crew. Full the gap

between them, the Americans and Canadians is just too far today.

That was a fantastic race. Polly Swann, she would prefer to be in the

pair. What can she do? Look at me, look at me. You do not want to do

that. Anything you go into it, any crew, you make it go as fast as you

can. Tim Foster did it in 1999. People who have come from other

boats. From the inside, you have to make the boat workers much as you

can. She has made it work and made it work faster. The only way to get

attention is as part of that eight. For the first time in eight years,

he is not a member of the top vote in the men's eight. But he is

determined to get back their -- boat.

It has been a tough six months, very dark in places. I started

underperforming and started asking questions about why. That process

took a long time with medical things. I found out I am allergic to

dogs. We keep two dogs. It only affects me when I am right at the

top of my sport. When I am hurtling down the track, my lungs are tight

and the airways are closed up. I cannot breathe enough. I do not like

underperforming and this season I was beaten by guys in the team I

know I could beat so that was tough. The truth is they are outstanding

athletes. If you look to the four, especially. If I was in charge of

selection there is no way I would put me in the boat with a clear

conscience. There is no weakness in there and so I have to get back to

my best. I am happy with my position in the crew, with the other guys,

and I have an -- a lot to offer. in the crew, with the other guys,

and I have an -- a lot to offer. In Belgrade at the European

Championships, it was not a bronze medal winning crew. We went through

hell and high water and got the most out of ourselves. Great Britain

pushing hard. Here comes rush, through-macro. On the line, a photo

for the bronze medal. We stole the bronze from the Poland

team. I was delighted. The feelings I had when I started rowing. They

made me hungry again for the sport. That can only be a good thing. I am

sure as my strength and physiology comes back, I think it will be

beneficial for Rio. From the silence of the raw, the

men's eights. China in one, Poland in two, Belarus in three. USA in

four. Great Britain in five. So much to prove. France in six. It could go

anywhere. Very tight racing the whole way down. Good to see Matt

Langridge in the British crew, back in. Poland coming through. Henry

Fieldman is the cox today. in. Poland coming through. Henry

Fieldman is Great Britain are in lane number five. British crew were

third three weeks ago at the European Championships. A different

line-up this time around. The Americans, bronze medallist at the

World Championships. Not the whole crew back this time. Big and strong,

though. Renowned for the putting out big boats. Do not usually see them

at other regatta prior to Lucerne. A lot of noise coming from the US

driving seat. 500 down, Great Britain in third. The USA men's

eight has not been as dominant as the women's, but it is seen as their

flagship event. And they are at leading as they would want to be.

The British crew are in the thick of it, where we want to see them. They

were behind USA in the heat and behind Poland in the repechage. The

transitional period, 600 metres, out to 750. The British have the second

of those boat speeds. The British keep the length, driving on. Poland

will be quick. They won the repechage to get through.

The United States and Belarus qualified. We have the men's pair

from the Europeans. O'Donnell has come in from the men's pair. They

did well, moving up. Seeing if they can strengthen it even more. Alan

Sinclair adding to the eight. The British line-up has changed since

three weeks ago. Will Satch has moved into the stroke seat. John

third, a brilliant rower -- Foad. Will Satch has risen to the occasion

before but Great Britain, long and loose. They will have to keep their

foot down. The Americans will be ruthless. The Polish are always

quick in the third 500. USA are moving out at the moment. The

British are pushing them hard. They seem to have a slight advantage over

Poland. Henry Fieldman given the call for the cox of the crew this

time around. The Americans. They are taking 37 strokes a minute, that is

quick. The next timing mark, three quarters of a length, the Americans,

over Great Britain. Danger zone to Great Britain over Poland. Poland

could move from that, in lane number three. The British crew in lane

number five. The last desperate structures. They are inside 50

strokes. The Americans holding on. Scott Durant, 26 is, in the bow seat

of the British crew. Matt Langridge amongst it all, one of the most

outstanding athletes, alongside Pete Reed, two-time Olympic champion. The

power from the middle of the boat will be called upon. It is hard to

tell from the overhead angle. The USA still have the lead they need.

Great Britain slipping back to third. They are pushing hard. We are

in the dying stages. The Americans are going to do it. , coming harder

against Great Britain. One last push. Great Britain pushing for

silver. USA get the gold. Belarus get the bronze. Well done for the

British in the closing stages. Belarus came storming up, but the

United States on the day. You were right in it. We were in our

own bubble. We said before the race we would do our own thing. We

focused on one stroke at a time. I was not aware of what was going on,

we stuck to our guns and got the result we were happy with. What

about Lucerne, what are you looking for? Gold. Hopefully, I will not be

burned, factor 50 next time! A brilliant result. A lot of gold

medals, as you can see from the table.

Next up, Lucerne, in three weeks, when World Cup rowing III takes

place. And tomorrow, Wimbledon. Andy Murray, defending his Wimbledon

crown. The first word about the men's eight. Great to hear Will

Satch speaking about that. Fantastic. They will definitely move

on. They were classy, they should aim for the top. It was great to

hear he wants gold. I thought it was a good performance from the team

overall. New people coming through, new combinations, showing they are

at the forefront, things are looking good this season and next year and

obviously in Rio. For ever the perfectionist, you alluded to

elements in the women's side that need addressing, like what? It is

fantastic. Helen and Heather are looking fantastic. There is a

women's British pair that will dominate. It is great to see the

women's eight the time on the podium. We know Romania will come

back in, who did beat them. Women's sculling is not what you are seeing

on the podium and for a long time we have seen repeated finishes on the

podium. It is these events we want Britain to move up in. Is question

of picking the right people, or is the talent perhaps not quite there?

We have fantastic athletes. The British team has never been better

supported. We have amazing work on the coaching side. We have great

athletes. They have got medals at World Championships and Olympic

Games. Something is not firing. I know they are doing better in

training and racing, which is a problem at the moment. And you. The

men's coxless four were immense. If they go like that I cannot see

anybody touching them at the moment. And as long as they are having fun.

They make it enjoyable to be around. Great to have you here this

afternoon. We shall reassemble in three weeks for the final rowing

World Cup in Lucerne, which is the same day as the football World Cup

final in Rio. The only certainty is that there will be at least some

British involvement in the rowing. Goodbye.

So much pressure, so much expectation.

It's the title that all the players want to win.