GB Squad on Indoor Duty for First Time

GB Rowing’s complete senior squad will, for the first time ever, be competing at this weekend’s British Indoor Championships in Birmingham at the National Indoor Arena. (SUNDAY 20 November from 8.30am – 6pm approx).
British team selectors have made attendance at the event a compulsory part of the winter’s training for the squad – even for athletes such as Steve Williams (Olympic and world champion in the men’s four) and Katherine Grainger (twice Olympic silver medallist and twice a World Champion).

With an anticipated entry of almost 3000 rowers, the National Indoors, sponsored by Concept 2, is billed as the longest rowing race in the world.  Competitors do battle on ergometers (or indoor rowing machines of the type seen in most modern gyms). 

"It’s certainly a key part of our winter training and assessment regime this year", explained GB Rowing athlete representative and world champion, Sarah Winckless.  "It’s also a great opportunity to compete in our club colours at a domestic event but we know that our performances will be closely watched and assessed".

This is an important season for the GB squad which will culminate in the World Championships taking place on home territory (at Dorney Lake, Eton,
from August 20-27th) as part of
the build-up to the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

"The National Indoors is an event which has grown and grown and we are happy to
be participating", said GB Performance Director David Tanner.  "It also provides the squad with a focus and target mid-way through the early part of winter training".

Of the leading rowers only Alex Partridge, recently troubled by a knee injury, and Rebecca Romero, who has a continuing niggle with her back, will not be attending.

For more information and event results over the weekend visit:
www.concept2.co.uk/birc/