After November trails which saw 14 women try their hands at the 2km ergo test and the 5km water time trial, here for February trials we see nine girls having another go. For this they must have completed a 5km ergo test and under the cut off time point. Of these nine girls, we have four seniors, three of which are part of the Great Britain Squad and therefore aren’t required to do November trials. We also have three under-21 athletes and two under-23 athletes.
Imogen Grant, Emoly Craig & Maddie Arlett
Imogen Grant of Cambridge University BC, Emily Craig of University of London BC, and Maddie Arlett representing Edinburgh University BC, are the three ladies in the Great Britain team. This time, however, they will be joining the other athletes on the water over this weekend. Over the recent years we have seen Imogen Grant coming in first, followed by Emily Craig and Maddie Arlett in third place. I much expect to see this pattern again over this weekend in the top three.
Collectively, these girls have completed an Olympic cycle, winning World and European Championships, Henley Royal Regatta and finishing it all off with going to the Olympics.
Olivia Bates (Nottinghamshire County RA)
The fourth senior woman trialing is Olivia Bates of Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association. Having done well over November trials but also holding some confident wins and experience of the past two years representing Great Britain at U23 World and European Championships, Olivia will be sure to only build on this.
U23s
Isobel Sellers hailing from Durham University, impressively, had the third quickest U21 2km ergo score. Then we have the two U23 ladies, Laura Bates of Newark Rowing Club, and Lara Brittain of Reading University. Finally, two more under-21s, Olivia White from Oxford Brookes University, and Mia Vickerman from Durham University.
Prediction
I believe the first four spots are guaranteed to Imogen, Emily, Maddie and Olivia in that order. Then will come Laura and Lara, finally Isobel Olivia and Mia coming in purely due to lack of trials experience at a senior level.With good weather it is sure to be an amazing race to witness. Good luck ladies!
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