I am unsure if it is something to do with the water but this year’s trials for the lightweight men is heavily dominated by members of the Scottish Rowing community. While the long-term future of lightweight rowing does appear under threat there is certainly no shortage of top-level talent entered into the trials this year.
With British Rowing opting not to send a double to the World Championships in 2022, the athletes competing here have it all to do to prove to the governing body that they are worthy of investment for this summer’s international season. As the Olympic qualification year, it is make or break for men’s lightweight rowing in the country.
Dale Flockhart (Edinburgh University BC)
Dale Flockhart as been at the top of the domestic lightweight rowing scene for several years now, competing during the summer of 2022 in a double with Jamie Copus but failing to meet the standards set by BR they did not complete the season together. Instead, Flockhart went solo, and with the support of Edinburgh University and Scottish Rowing he competed at the World Championships in the single.
Looking ahead to this weekend, if there is one person with the experience to ensure they produce their best on the day it will be him.
Ben Parsonage (Strathclyde University BC)
Another of the stars of the Scottish Rowing scene Ben Parsonage has continued to gain more and more speed every year he’s been on the circuit. With strong placings at events such as BUCS Regatta, I am excited to see how he matches up against long time rival Dale Flockhart in this set of trials.
Jack Norton (Bath University BC)
Norton is still a young talent as an u21 entry. With some much more experienced talent entered into these trials there is a strong opportunity for him to really impress. Currently based out of Bath University and training alongside Dan Harris’s GB Start squad there are few better programmes for sculling in the country and it will be exciting to see just how high up this new sculler can place at these trials.
Daniel Jones (Edinburgh University BC)
Daniel Jones is certainly one to watch. He put in a hugely impressive performance back in November to come ninth overall in the 5km time trial. November already probably feels like a long time ago and so Daniel will be hoping that he has maintained that advantage over the rest over the winter break.
Formerly of the GB Start squad based in Leeds, Jones has moved up to Scotland to train alongside Dale Flockhart at Edinburgh University. This hints that Jones is favoured as a potential double partner for Flockhart so we’ll be looking out for these two as the season progresses.
Prediction
The form sculler in this field is clearly Dale Flockhart, the sole competitor with senior international experience. Behind him will likely be the up-and-coming Dan Jones but don’t count out the experienced Ben Parsonage who could produce a strong result too.
BUCS Images credit: Drew Smith
Drew Smith Photography
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