Adaptive rowers prepare for World Cup

June 19, 2009

GB Rowing has announced the adaptive squad that will race at the World Cup in Munich from 18 – 21 June, 2009 as part of their preparations for the World Championships later this year.

Paralympic gold medallist Tom Aggar will race in the men’s AS single scull, as will fellow British rower Andy Houghton. They will face competition from Spain, Hungary, New Zealand and the Ukraine.

Meanwhile cox Rhiannon Jones will make her international debut in adaptive rowing when she steers the LTA mixed coxed four in Munich. The crew will feature Vicki Hansford and Naomi Riches, both of whom won Paralympic bronze in Beijing last summer, as well as newcomers to the 2009 squad, Dave Smith and James Roe. The four will face France, Germany, Ireland and Poland in a race for lanes on Friday before Saturday’s final.

There is also a new line-up being tested in the mixed TA double scull. Samantha Scowen will race with James Roberts when they face five other nations in their event in Munich.

Among the entries (France, Ireland, Poland, and two crews from Israel) is the Polish combination who finished just behind Britain in sixth in the final of this event at the Beijing Paralympics.

"We’re looking forward to being included in our first World Cup", said acting Lead Adaptive Coach Tom Dyson. "We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against a slightly more varied field in Munich following a pleasing first event in Varese earlier this year."

In May, GB’s adaptive rowers returned from Varese International Regatta with four golds, three silvers and a bronze.

Provisional race schedule for the World Cup (note: this is subject to change)

Friday, 19 June: Races for lanes

Saturday, 20 June: Finals

CREW LIST (club/home town/d.o.b in brackets)

WORLD CUP, MUNICH 18 – 21 June, 2009

Men’s Arms & Shoulders Single Scull

Two boats

Tom Aggar (Royal Docks RC/Barnet, London/24.05.1984)

Andy Houghton (Maidenhead RC/Newbury/06.04.1981)

Trunk and Arms Double Scull

James Roberts (City of Swansea RC/Swansea/11.05.1986)/