London prepares for the 2012 Head

More than 3500 rowers are set to gather in London on Saturday for the climax of the Head Racing season – the Head of the River Race.

The Thames will play host to 404 crews from 11am on Saturday (17th March), and there will be some tantalising battles on offer this year – despite the absence of the GB Rowing Team’s Olympic hopefuls.

Defending Head Crew Leander Club and 2010 champions Molesey Boat Club will both field depleted boats at the illustrious event, opening the door to what should be an unpredictable and exciting Head.

Visiting crews from Russia, Hungary, Spain and the Czech Republic – which includes World Champion and Olympic silver medallist Ondrej Synek – will feature international athletes, and will be gunning for a shock result from lower down the starting order.

However, the top British crews are unlikely to surrender The Head without a fight, with Molesey calling on a distinguished old guard in a bid to wrest back the title.

‘Molesey is boating battle-hardened senior athletes, who have made the journey to the top at Olympics past,’ organisers of The Head said in an official statement.

‘Look out for Jonny Searle, Martin Cross and France’s Jean-Christophe Rolland, who have all won Olympic Gold.’

Join the thousands of friends, families, and fans supporting the crews at the 2012 Head – refreshments and prime viewing spots can be found on the Putney Embankment and Hammersmith.

Instructions for competitors at the 2012 Head can be found at www.horr.co.uk, where you can also see the draw.