Caversham Training Weekend

Last weekend 4 athletes from the group were invited down to Caversham to complete a 2km ergo (rowing machine) test on the Saturday followed by a water trial on the Sunday. Caversham is home to the purpose built Redgrave Pinsent rowing centre home to the Great Britain senior squad train. Pippa and Laura both rose to the occasion brilliantly, both pulling a personal best by over 5 seconds, following the example set by Stuart earlier in the week when he also improved his 2k time by 5 seconds.  Laura also had the satisfaction of finishing first in her ergo race, and being able to watch the others gasping for breath over the finish line. Not to be let off, despite the beautifully flat water and sunshine outside, the rest of the squad also had to sit on the ergo and complete their 2kms up in Nottingham. Some solid performances were put in, which shows promise for the summer season that’s just around the corner.

Sunday morning, while others were mourning the loss of an hour after the move to BST, Rich, Stuart and Laura were back out on the water in Caversham for 2 timed 1500m runs of the course. This was a trial for selection into the U23 and senior squad invitational trials in Dorney - the Olympic Rowing regatta venue for 2012 Olympics. Stuart put in a brilliant performance, coming second in his race, and showing enough speed to gain selection to the trials in a couple of weeks. Although Laura and Rich both had excellent races, it was felt that they weren’t quite ready to push for a place in the World Championship senior squad this year, but along with the rest of the squad, will now be fighting for places to the European Championships in Bulgaria.

Next up for the men is the Head of the River Race, which is the men’s equivalent to the Women’s Eights Head we competed a couple of weeks ago. Stuart and Rich are both in the Nottingham first VIII for this event and having shown good speed in training are looking for a pennant winning performance.