Poznan Highlights Rowing World Cup

Welcome to one of the more unusual rowing clubs on the banks of the

Thames. It's called full reach and it was only opened a couple of weeks

ago -- years ago. It was funded by the developer with the express

intention of kids from local state schools getting involved in a sport

they might not otherwise be involved with. The reason we are here is

because it is the World Cup in Poznan, Poland. The last big event

until the Olympics, 47 days to go. 47 days until the next glorious

chapter in Britain's rowing history. Great Britain started ahead, stayed

ahead and finish the head. Great Britain are the Olympic champions

and it sounds fantastic. Rate Britain win by a length and a half.

We have done it and we have done it in style. They are the British

Olympic champions. Heather Stanning, Helen Glover, we salute you. Great

achievement. This crowd are going mad. Ladies and gentlemen, what we

are seeing is a dream come true. If anyone sees me go near a boat you've

got my permission to shoot me. Five in a row, what a great Olympian.

With us to discuss all things rowing is Anna Watkins, a gold-medallist

from London four years ago. Can it really be that long ago? The last

time you are doing this, you're trying to get back in the team and

trying to get to Rio de Janiero. What happened? I was watching the

final and thinking, maybe this could be defended, maybe I should get back

in there. I went back to the open trials in October, got back into the

mix, got stuck in through the autumn. After Christmas, I noticed

the speed had heated up and I could not stay with it. I stepped away

then and the doubles project has gone on without me. At least I can

step back and say that I've answered my big question. I can watch with a

smile on my face. Elite sport is a brutal, uncompromising world. Rowing

has found itself in the papers a lot and a lot about bullying in the

women's squad, reminiscent of what British Cycling has been through. If

that world you recognise? The picture is, the beginning of this

year, there were 24 women sitting in a room and 12 seats for the

Olympics. You've got to get down through those numbers somehow. I've

been part of that myself and, that is brittle, that is difficult. Paul

Thomson has been doing this for 16 years. When he came into the team,

there was the odd medal in the team. Now, if we are not punching with the

best in the world we think we are doing something wrong. Anybody who

has navigated that process by that long without ruffling feathers

should be in the United Nations, in my book. He strives to be fair but I

know he wants to be the best coach he can and he always tries to

improve, year-on-year, for something he could have done better. He will

take that on board and want to know that. There is a process, that is

great and people should have the opportunity to feedback, but I would

not want anybody else to be coaching me. There is a fine line between

pushing hard and bullying and I think Paul pushes hard. Interesting.

The catalyst for this has been the treatment of and the form of

Katherine Grainger. For their race in Poznan today it really was a last

chance to prove they could be competitive in Rio de Janiero.

They come together and sit forward, France in one, New Zealand in two.

Let's see what they can do. There needs to be undying trust between

Thornley and Granger. They are in lane number six in a high-quality

field. France are in one. Good start for Great Britain as the

bows slice through the water. Beautiful conditions here at Lake

Malta in Poznan. Great Britain coming out through

200, starting a transition into the race pace. So far, so good. New

Zealand have had a shocking start. There's only one crew out the back

and that the world champions. I don't know what they've done over

the 300 metres. Going through the 1500 metre mark.

Great Britain continue to be in fifth addition, almost five seconds

out of gold-medal place. Full credit goes to even McFarlane

and Zoe Stevenson, who had dropped out of the pack in the first 300

metres. The world champions from last year. They are not going to

catch. It will take an extraordinary effort if they are going to catch

Poland. You're right. The Polish team deserve as much credit as New

Zealand, they have not been rattled at all and they've kept their

distance and they are moving away. That is testament to the improvement

they've made. Polish looking very strong. A mark

of that is keeping a length and the speed. That is what you want to be

doing. Quick and long as you come under pressure. Continue to go hard.

New Zealand are the world champions. They are holding off a feisty little

French double scull. Real this appointment from the British

perspective. Victoria Thornley and Katherine Grainger, the OBR fifth --

there they are finishing in fifth position. They will not be happy

with that but where does it leave them? They've shown that they've got

bits of speed here and there, they beat the French double in the

repechage and then they came third. They could put a positive slant on

it, they could be in the medals, they've swapped round, they've got

rid of this, they've just got to focus in on their boat, and make the

best of the best bits. I will Katherine Grainger be approaching

the next month and a half? She's very professional, it is her fifth

Olympics. They've got a fantastic team to train against, they are out

there racing against Heather and Helen everyday. It is hard when you

are Olympic champion to get excited about a bronze medal but it would be

a good result for them. Good stuff. You mentioned Helen and Heather,

almost untouchable. Let's see how they feared in Poland. It was

incredible to win home games. It is who we are, what we've worked

so hard for. We are so lucky to do this. As much as you feel like

sometimes you don't want to be there, you know there are so many

people who would grab that seat from you and take your place. No female

British crew has ever defended an Olympic titles that is what we aim

to do. 1000 metres, halfway, and they are

doing what they do best, they are out there leading and they were put

under some pressure at Lucerne three weeks ago. Look at lane three, they

are doubling up and pushing on hard against the British pair. We had

this back at the early part of Lucerne. Three quarters of a length.

Britain remain in lane number two, Germany in five. If you look back,

New Zealand are the same distance behind as they were at 500 metres.

That is what I mean about giving your opposition length. They gave

the distance they are behind. What it means is Heather Stanning can

look and they can control the race, see everything New Zealand are

doing. If I was New Zealand I would put them in a position they've not

been, they are going the same speed they have been going for the race.

We had rain, lightning storms, going through 1500 metres. New Zealand

continued to put pressure on Helen Glover and Heather Stanning from

Great Britain. There is a gap between them. Look at the gap, lane

to just snuck out of the picture to your left. There is no doubt that

New Zealand are starting to put a little bit more on, they have eased

back, this is a significant amount of pressure. You'd expect the

undefeated world champions, the reigning European Championship...

They have lifted it. Just looking to see where they are on the marker.

Still, New Zealand are coming hard with them. You saw Heather having a

look across and then they stepped up. This is not for show. They've

had open water. It will give them a bit of incentive to make sure they

are right on the money when real comes -- Rio de Janiero. It will

need a huge effort to overhaul the champions. Coming up towards the

line. Pressure from Helen and Heather. They are in first place and

they finish 2016 undefeated and in a pretty good place heading out to the

Olympic Games. It is good to be unbeaten in the last race before we

go out. A tougher race than we wanted but that is more down to the

fact that we wanted to race a steadier profile, we did not want to

learn nothing about ourselves. We learned quite a lot, which is quite

good. Hopefully this will make us stronger. We need to put this behind

us. The next time we come down to do racing stuff, the Olympics will be

at the forefront of our mind. We've got a good chunk of training to come

and it will make us go faster. What do we make of it not being a

cakewalk for them? You know, I think they will review that and decided it

was the race they wanted to have. They needed to be pushed hard. The

last thing you want to do is going to be Olympics complacent and we

have plenty of crews that have lost in Lucerne and one in the Olympics.

The Kiwis look to me to be physically more powerful than

Heather and Helen. But they are not rowing as well. There's a danger

there. If they move better, hold their body positions better, they've

got more speed to find, whereas Heather... It is a question. They

need to be on their toes to find every last millimetre of speed

before the summer. They'll embrace that challenge. From a pair who are

thinking about gold and nothing else to two pairs who are thinking about

going to Rio. This is the men's pair. There's a New Zealand pair

here who haven't lost for seven years. Forget about them. The race

here is between the two British pair es. The winner goes to Brazil. The

loser stays at home. We are away in what will be one of the most

important races of their lives for Great Britain's Nathaniel Reilly

O'Donnell and mat Tarrant in lane two, and Sinclair in lane 3.

Alongside them Eric Murray and Hamish Bond. The all-black strip,

the Olympic champions and the multi-world champions. Undefeated in

this event. This is between the two of them since 2009.

In lane 3, in a race for their lives. This is Olympic selection,

Stewart Innes and Alan Sinclair in three. Behind them are Nathaniel

Reilly O'Donnell and Mat Tarrant in lane 2. Nathaniel Reilly O'Donnell

and Tarrant starting to edge back. It was a big 500 metres for Great

Britain. It was just another day at the office for Murray and Bond, the

All Black strip of New Zealand, as they start to move away. Opening up

again. Almost a length of clear Water. 25 strokes, you can count

them in. They know this race is well under control here, but Australia,

they sniff a silver medal. Alan Sinclair and Stewart Innes have to

keep their heads up and be aware of what's going on in lane 5. Watching

in lane 2, there is pressure from both sides. Here comes Great Britain

in 1 and 2. The Australians, forget them. Their race now is against the

British crew. There is no point in beating the Australians, because

right now all they've got to do is focus on the other British crew and

make sure they beat it, whether by 100th of a second or a length. New

Zealand are first, Australia are away. And just by two or three feet

Great Britain have booked their berth be, surely they have done

enough to go to Rio. It was a valiant and brave last 500 metre

push, but Alan Sinclair and Stewart Innes did enough in the first 1,000

metres to open the pace. Australia taking the benefit of that little

clash and coming out with the silver medal. Third place confirmed.

Confirmed. They know how important that is. That's what it takes to get

on to the plane. The margins between going on the plane to Rio and not

are minute aren't they? It is so painful to watch. Watch. Both pairs

look like they could qualify for an Olympic medal but only one can go.

That's the harsh reality of it all. I don't know what's going on in

Juergen's head. It is probably too late, the crews were decided for the

rest of the team a couple of weeks back, and we are weeks away. I think

that's it. From two people who will be going to Rio and two who won't,

to four who knew from the start. At the heart of the men's 4 is a giant

of a man in every way. His is a remarkable tale. Feeling on the

water is unparallel to anything I have ever done. That feeling of

harmony, getting a reward for work. When you look at the boat race and

look at our team you build a bond for life. My first rowing stroke I

was 15. I took to it really badly. I kept falling in. So there were many

moments in the first six months where I wanted to quit because I

hated the sport. Hi Sue, how are you? Very well, how are you? On the

first day you got me in the river... Within 45 seconds. Let's look at

this gym. It hasn't changed much. It still has that Rocky IV feeling to

it, cold and a back to basics style of training. It wasn't common in my

school for people to row. It was football, rugby, basketball and

tennis. At the time I had thoughts there could be a prejudice, that

there were stigmas that you couldn't row, that it was only for public

school, but it's not the truth. The first moment where the penny dropped

was the indoor World Championships in 2003. I had been useless on the

rowing machine. It was something that made me think, I can do this. I

was born being a Muslim and it's been my personal choice growing up

to carry on with that faith. There's been no prejudice against me about

being a Muslim. It's been very accommodating as a sport to allow me

to fast. I like the fact I'm an ambassador for the religion. I don't

like the fact that I'm one of the first but hopefully that's for the

next generation. Stunning conditions here at the Lake Malta for the final

World Cup regatta, the final World Cup event for the men's heavyweight

four, the final time these crews will line up before we see them in

Rio. Germany in 1, Australia in 2, Italy, the world champions, first

time we see them, then in lane 3. Lane 2, Australia and they are being

dumped down. Lockwood looked to see where everyone is going. They are

leave ing will you behind! Out fast and sharp in lane 3 Italy.

Belarus in 5 and Romania in 6. Early stages it went to Italy. But this is

looking very powerful. Great Britain, full order back-up again.

They are right on it and they are looking smart. And powerful. The

Italians raced off like greyhounds whereas the British crew have to

crank their engine up and now it's running. They are not going to fly

off. The spring in the Aussies' step is going to be dampened by having to

do the repechage, a race neither the apprenticeship nor the Italians had

to do yesterday. The Brits have a rhythm they didn't have at Lucerne.

-- neither the British nor the Italians had to do the repechage

yesterday. The Aussies are hanging on. They've probably taken a couple

of feet since halfway. In the third 500 they are going faster than the

British, which won't please Juergen or the British boys. They'll be

giving it everything in the last minute-and-a-half to give the

Australians something to think about over the next 50 days to Rio.

England are through the 1,500 into the last 500 metres. You expect Stan

in the stroke seat to lift up the power through the legs, driving his

guys on. Mohamed Sbihi in the two seat. Gregory up in the bow. It is

hard to see that the Aussies will come through the British point. The

angle of the camera is giving the Aussies a slightly more aesthetic

advantage. They've got a length now. I think the Brits want to have a

third length of clear water to send a message to Australia when they

watch the video over the next 50 days to Rio. The Italian crew, the

world champions. A class difference between them who are taking on

Australia. The rate has gone up there from the world champions. The

white boat. Look out front. Long, hard, sharp. They will be winners

today here. Gold medal to Great Britain. The silver is between Italy

and Australians. The Italians jammed the rate right up here and chased

hard. We await confirmation. Unfazed out front, gold medal goes to Great

Britain. I'm very delighted. It is good to win the last race before the

Olympics. I can go away on training camp and now that we are ahead of

the pack and in the next couple of weeks we've got to stay there. It is

a confidence boost for us. It shows we mean business. We always go out

to win, and that was pleasing. We always put things right we haven't

achieved yet as racing. The hard work starts now. We good away for

three weeks to altitude, in Austria. We put in a lot of yards before the

Games. We've got a lot of mutual respect and confidence in ourselves.

To try to keep winning form is a good project for us. As a warning

shot to everybody else, how was that performance for you? I think for

anybody who enjoys the rivalry between Great Britain and the

Aussies that was a sight to warm the heart. The message is last time

around we let the Aussies get close. We had a sub on board. This is the

real speed. Watch out, Australia! We are talking about the elite athletes

in the context of the men's 4, but if I talk to the chief executive of

the Fulham Reach club, we are at the polar opposite end of rowing but the

potential for this project is immense. What are your ambitions for

the future? It started a couple of years ago when there was planning

consent between the planners and the developers and we decided to focus

on local state schools and open up the sport as widely as we can. In

the year we've taught just under 600 students to row. That will grow to

900 next year. We'll try to get allel the schools in the borough

rowing. In the context of sport for all, do you have ambitions perhaps

to create elite athletes of your own at some point? That's got to be on

the cards. One thing we are keen on here is we always promote an exit

race through racing. Whether it is going from being not confident on

the water to being confident, that's great. For other juniors we want to

push them through all the way to national schools, Henley and beyond,

if possible. It will be fascinating to see how you do. We go back to

Poznan now. We saw the men's four a few moments ago. Now the men's quad.

In Rio three of them will be experiencing their first Olympic

Games, but for Sam Townsend he has memories of London that live with

him. We are here today to announce 43 of the 47 members of the rowing

squad for this summer's Rio 2016. It is always a relief to hear it

officially. On a day like today it is gorgeous, to celebrate the fact

that you've been selected is always a nice occasion. The Olympic final

of the men's double sculls. Great Britain have taken it on in the

first 100. I look back at London with fond memories but both of us

were disappointed not to be on the podium. It was a tough week for us.

Great Britain over in fifth place. That will be a disappointment for

the British double who came into this final with such high hopes.

Last year it was fourth in the world. It is often said fourth is

the worst place. Fourth is not a great position to finish. I think we

had an incredibly turbulent year last year. We were in terrible form.

We were battling a long way to try to rediscover some national flow and

boat speed. Actually it never really came. It is hard to take that

result, because fourth is a horrible place to be. In contrast to last

year we've been a lot more consistent. There's been a will not

more continuity with what we're doing. I think that's only a good

thing. I think these four men have a real point to prove. At the World

Cup in Lucerne we won a silver medal and showed who of the this order

could be capable of doing. We've never led those crews like that. One

crew the Australians managed to reel us in, but others didn't. Great

Britain hang on to their silver bravely. How do did you foresee,

what can you achieve in Rio? There's a gap in the market for someone to

stamp their authority on this event and good like, we are the ones you

need to be. The I believe we have the capacity to medal in Rio, but

I'm a pessimist at heart. I know there are incredibly good, strong

crews out there. But we have enough to be able to do well, I'm sure.

That is going to have to be at a nominal race for the British crew,

as they leave the starting area. -- phenomenal race.

What a disappointment the German crew had.

They are current World Cup leaders in this event. We've got Germany in

lane number three. First in Lucerne, the Italians go through. A

combination of junior gold-medallists in Sweden and the

sculling events. 50 strokes remain. 500 to go. It is

Australia coming through. Great Britain are right off the pack.

They've had a miserable third 500. Germany, the Olympic champions,

sitting in the bronze medal position. They will be fighting a

lost charge from the British crew. This is pretty spectacular from the

Australian crew. They look very good, and slightly worrying from a

British perspective, they will be training with the Australian men's

coxes. They were really coming off the

pace. They've found something to avoid the embarrassment, pushing

Paul out of the picture. It is too late for the reigning world

champions. What was going on in that third 500? They are throwing it all

to the line but by Clearwater, Australia getting the gold medal.

Subtle and coming through in fourth and Great Britain coming through in

a very disappointing fifth position. Three weeks ago they were second at

Lucerne. A disappointing result for the men's quad as we move on to the

men's double sculls, and this is something we were not expecting.

Great Britain continue to lead. They look back down the track and they

see that is the path and they are moving into the future, the next 500

becomes very critical. Has it taken too much out of them or is it part

of a really nicely paced race? They look good, they've got great length.

On the edge of it. 36 strokes a minute, that is all right. New

Zealand taking two more to keep up with them. You would expect the

Kiwis to come back hard. You'd expect Norwich to move as well. They

are doing well, the British crews, some of the others have gone

incredibly hard, have struggled across the halfway line, whereas our

boys moved on. Look how far behind they are. It is open for Great

Britain. They still look as though they are

in control. The important thing is the lens. You shorten up when you

get tired. If you continue to be long you continue to be strong.

They're coming towards the last mark. 500 metres to go. This is an

event they came fifth in. At the moment things are starting to turn

around. Heads up, keep it on there. Right through to the finish. Long,

powerful strokes. This is where it becomes a game of psychological

warfare. They cannot rollover at this point. Right now, they are

sprinting. The only slight concern is that they still look quite long

and relaxed. Trying to get as much air as possible. New Zealand have

placed it well. Keep the length. They continue to hold off from New

Zealand. It is second from Lucerne. It is about holding on in this

desperate stage. We could count them down. Here comes Andreas in the mix

as well. The British crew have got to keep their heads high. There is a

silver medal for Great Britain, just there. New Zealand get first. For

them finish on the line. I think the British crew have got it and it is

deserved, well-deserved silver medal. We are really pleased, it has

been a long time coming for both of us, putting all those things in

place, we've always had that the leaf. Good weight and the World Cup

series and take us into that. It has been a long time waiting for this

one. It is great to be on the podium and it is such a relief that

everything we have been doing is finally paying off. As you say, all

the competition is not here but it has set us up nicely to get ready

for Rio de Janiero. That was a tremendous performance and you could

see from the look on their faces how much that meant to them. Absolutely.

They have shaken the event up and everyone will be looking at them

saying, where are they going to be? Difficult camps before the Olympics

to get fitness up to peak condition and they only need to hold on for

another couple of hundred metres. I cannot wait to see how it pans out.

From two men in a boat to one. The solitary world of the sculler. That

is Alan Campbell in lane number three.

Watch the Croatian in lane number three. It is a top-quality field.

But it does not feature of a world champion. Rodriguez from Cuba is

also withdrawn. It is an opportunity to put right what has been a very

disappointing, under par season so far. In issuing fifth at Lucerne.

Croatia, New Zealand, Great Britain continue to be in the bronze medal

position. Would be at least the third best in this field. It is

playing out up front. They are trying to get away from Alan

Campbell. Who is your money on? You'll I am going with Drysdale. We

will put a tenner on it and see you at the end. Drysdale is continuing

to overrate by two strokes per minute. He doesn't shorten up.

It is looking a bit dodgy. They are saying -- come on, I have got a

tenner on you. I need you to do something. You can see, in the

moments of a race at this speed, keep the length. He is three strokes

under. The Olympic champion has just taken apart the European champion,

keeping it long, keeping the pressure on. I've lost a tenner.

He's in the bronze medal position, but that is the very least in this

field. You would expect he would be very encouraged by that but as we

move into the lightweight racers, the double of Richard Chambers and

Will Fletcher will have been encouraged by the first thousand

metres. The injuries to put all and they slipped back to the back of the

field. Better performance from the men's. Great Britain in lane number

two. Denmark in lane number two. -- four. In lane number five, France.

Lane number six, Italy. What can Britain do to turn around their

disappointing fifth place? They were European silver-medallist early in

the season, it looked like a pretty good start, notwithstanding all the

conditions. So disappointing to be knocked into fifth position. They

will need a very big race. It is all about the last race to set yourself

up. Really feeling good about yourself.

Early stages, Britain up there but France in lane number five. Look at

how tight it is, reflective of the weight category.

New Zealand opening up in the third five. They took the length. That is

the difference between getting to halfway in the race and getting to

halfway and the race is done. This is where they respond.

Great Britain in second, the middle thousands has all been New Zealand.

They've worked hard by thinking about a bill, effortless speed, it

is not effortless in the sense that they are working hard for it but

they've gone right out and the race is on to the silver medal between

Britain and Denmark led by Morten Joergensen. New Zealand out in

front. Still, they want more as they come towards the finishing line,

very impressive victory. Silver goes to Denmark, bronze goes to Great

Britain. They come away with something, they congratulate

themselves and they know there's a lot more work to done. Divorce your

overdue on where things stand with lightweight crews at the moment.

They will be disappointed with that. The doubles have both had injury

problems, we see that in the speed of the men's doubles, and in the

women's doubles, they've not made it out here because of injury problems.

Both those crews have speed. They got world medal behind them. We know

the team back at base will be working overtime to get them ready

for the start in Rio de Janiero. We wish them the best of luck. I

mention at the start that this initiative is all about getting kids

started in this sport who might not have done it. With us we have... Why

are you involved in drawing? When I was younger I did swimming but did

not enjoy it. Plu-mac I only did tennis. I really wanted to get

fitter. And you? I have always wanted to do drawing from a young

age. It looked fun and peaceful but it is a challenge. Peaceful is a

great word, especially on a Sunday morning like this. What do you think

it gives to you? What do you like about rowing most?

I like passing the pontoon and being with other people enjoying the same

sport. After a load of competitions I've made a lot of friends. I find

it fun to do teamwork with other people from our club. It is a great

joy to experience this wonderful sport. Do you think you're going to

be involved in it for a long time? I'm looking forward to the future.

Probably from a university background. Excellent. The best of

luck to all three of you. It's fantastic you've been give a chance

to enjoy the sport. To Poznan now and the women's 8. There's been

debate about this vote. Boo kg and Vicky Thornley find themselves a

seat either individually or as a pair? The eight remain unchanged.

Let's hear from their cox. The last few weeks have been tough, as we

formed a really good crew. We've been working and building and we

were told this might be tested again, which it was this week.

There's two sides to it. We had this crew we were positive about but we

were also, there was an excitement about the fact that people wanted to

be involved in the eight, because it was going well. I knew I wasn't

being tested the, but it was hard for me to watch it. I wanted it to

go well, in that I wanted the boat to have the fastest crew we possibly

could have. That's the crew we've raced in Lucerne in this Brandenburg

in the Europeans. It is not that we don't like Vicky or Katherine, they

are our team-mates and friends, but this crew had formed a close bond

and we get on really well. The thing that's really nice about the crew is

there's a range of experience. We have Fran, this is her fifth

Olympics. For five of us it is our first. Katie and Jess have been

rowing in the eight a lot. This is their third Olympics. We have a

range of experience and personalities and different types of

people. It means we've worked out a way to play on everyone's strengths

and to encourage everyone's strengths. That's what has ford the

Yoon it. Ncourage everyone's strengths. That's what has ford the

Yoon it. We say a -- that's what has formed the unit. The parts that

we've got in this crew are exceptional. This is too final of

the women's 8. The last time in the World Cup series. A last time in

this Olympiad before Rio that these 8s will lead up. The next time Great

Britain leave the start it will be in the heat of the Olympic Games.

That's how important all these raceses are.

You've got a really good pack here in the apprenticeship crew. They can

send out some power. Early stages Netherlands, a couple of feet

perhaps, and 250 metres begun. The British crew are up around 40

strokes per minute. We are coming up towards the last 500 metres. Great

Britain through Netherlands. They are three quarters of a length down

on the world silver medallists from last year, New Zealand. We need 50

of the biggest strokes. It is so important that the British crew show

their mettle, keep long, keep their heads up and push on a hard. De

Toledo driving her girls forward. Polly Swann bringing power in the

middle, as does Melanie Wilson in the bow seat. Everything that Great

Britain are throwing at New Zealand, New Zealand are just batting it

back. Three quarters of a length. 250 out. The New Zealandest will

have to fall in if they are to lose this. But for the last time Great

Britain are just pushing it. 20 strokes from the line. This is not

where you want to leave your race in the European season as you head off

to Rio. Our girls had a real chance to stamp authority over the rest of

the field in the absence of the Americans. Yes, they've not given up

and they've hauled back through the Netherlands, but in a week when they

have been selecting the crew for the Olympics, this isn't how they wanted

it to end. They are back to half a length. New Zealand is the silver

medallist from last year, righting the perceived wrong of Lucerne when

they were beaten into second by Great Britain and the Netherlands in

third. There will be some disappointment because it was rising

up nicely for Great Britain through and past Lucerne. They came second

there. Gave the American as good run for their money. But you can see how

much that means to the Kiwis and in particular to Genevieve Behrent as

they fist pump there is. Well done, New Zealand. The. We raced it well.

We are disappointed not to come away with the win. We've got a lot to

take away from it. We had a great first 500 yesterday and a good race

today. These races are all about learning things, and we've learnt a

lot. It was touch. Had a lot on in the last few weeks. With some

illness, some seat racing. Racing: We could feel the tired legs today

but it's not excuse. We should be able to beat these crews on a worst

day. It is time for reflection. The next few weeks will be crucial. I

think they are exactly what we need to spring board is into the Olympics

and get the medal we want around our next in August. We'll talk about the

women's 8 after we've seen the men's.

The Blue Riband event in Poznan. Group the green boat of the Olympic

champions powering out of the start through the first 100m. Up the rate

goes. They wind with the power. Great Britain are going with them,

as are New Zealand in lane 4. Poland in lane 5.

We have five Olympic champions, including the cox. Alongside we see

the early stages by a couple of inches maybe half a foot there it is

Great Britain. Great Britain will know, leadly Durant. All these

crews go away on training camps. The one reference point they will have

is what they did today. It is up to the 500 metres. A good start from

the British crew. Germany just still in there. About a quarter of a

length, or a third of a length. 500 down, a quarter down. It is Great

Britain from Germany, New Zealand and Belarus, as they start to

transition. Three quarters of a length out now both crews. Remember

Great Britain include Pete Reed and Andy Hodge. Bags of experience. All

the guys have medals in various boats. This is great stuff. It is a

five-boat race but in effect it is true. The Germans have started to

push, the Germans have come up level. Now they are in the lead by a

couple of inches. This is going to the wire. The difference is even

though our top athletes are in the four, the British 8 is more powerful

than the German eight. We've got the guns on board. The Germans I think

are rowing slightly better, which is why in the third quarter they may

take the initiative. When it's all guns blazing in the last 500 metres,

the ball is back in our court. They are now going into the last 550

strokes. The British cox will count them down. They'll have a set race

plan what they need to do. All eyes down. It is like a barrel. The guns

come out and the power is moved on. The German crew are the Olympic

champions, the European champions from this year. Never got to keep

their heads up. They know the British will be strong here. Great

Britain in terms of turninger around a performance of that Lucerne, they

are right in there. They led up to the first mark. The third 500 has

gone to Germany but they give the medals out at the end. Three or four

feet, up to five feet. 250 out. The Germans have gone. The British have

something in hand. They've got to go now. Up again the call from the

rower in the front seat. The crowd in the grandstand are on their feet!

Now the British start to pummel it down. Hodge in the 3 seat pushing

hard. Pete Reed is pushing on. The German crew are going to hang on,

but only just. Look at the distance between these two crews and the rest

of the world, as New Zealand comes up fourth bronze medals and Poland

just on home water into fourth position. That was a sensational

race here. Although it is gold to Germany today, the will now that

come Rio, the chief coach of the men's team and who oversees this

crew, he has all the tools in the bag. You can't write him off. The

boys said, we may not get it rite in Poznan but we will in Rio. Today is

probably the first time this season where we've gone out and done what

we've done in training. A confidence boost then? Massively. We can get

some big work done. A big camp coming up. I bet you're looking

forward to that. No. Well, yes and no. It will be hard. This camp is

the one we look for our edge before our summer racing, so it is really

hard miles, really hard work up in the mountains. We are off to

Austria, altitude camp. Get the miles in and start building with up

again ready for the final run-in for Rio. It's the beginning of the last

cycle now. As so often of late the finale is a grand finale. The

rivalry is captivating, you can't wait for the next instalment. It was

neck and neck. For me the Brits missed a bit on the finish. With

whether they let the Germans get a move on them, in a race of that

speed you can't afford for somebody to have the momentum in the last 500

like that. I'm sure they won't let that happen again. James was

scathing about the women's eight, especially in terms of the tactics

they employed. What's your take on that? Maybe they took too much

confidence in being able to come back from behind before. But on the

other hand, to be fair to them, they've spent the last three weeks

since the last World Cup having trials again with the double scull

coming in. Maybe the run in to the regatta wasn't the preparation they

wanted. They will be disappointed but let's see what happens in Rio

before we give the final verdict. We have our final verdict on where the

British team stands a month-and-a-half away from the

biggest test in four years. More sport on the BBC. The tennis in

Eastbourne starts on Tuesday. Coverage every day, culminating with

the final on Saturday. The euros continue tonight and tomorrow.

England and Wales playing. You can follow those matches on BBC 5Live

and on the website. Anna, six weeks to go. The boats are heading out,

the athletes after that. How optimistic are you that the wonders

of London can be repeated in Brazil? The rowing team got four gold medals

in London. I'm not sure we'll get four in Rio, but our target is six

medals overall. Overall. I think we can do that. There's been a lot of

change in the personnel. The young people in the team have stepped up

to that mark. For me what's exciting is those rivalries, with close,

long-standing battles to be sorted out. They will be sorted out once

and for all in six weeks' time. I can't wait. Good to have you here.

The next rowing you see on the BBC we'll be swapping Hammersmith Bridge

as the backdrop for Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio. They finish 2016

undefeated. Great Britain, surely now they have done enough. Happy

Father's Day. That was a sensational race.

Britain's best athletes head to Birmingham