For the final time this cycle, development athletes will return to Caversham in an attempt to demonstrate that they might be the next big thing. It’s these athletes who, in four years time, will be looking to lead the way as GB make their final preparations for the LA games. Whilst a number of unknowns stand before them, Caversham shouldn’t be one of them. In a small field, most of these athletes will be looking to kick on from the challenges Boston might have presented them with as we return to the 2km racing format.
What’s guaranteed this weekend is tight competition. Aidan Thompson was the victor at Boston over the 5km course beating Leander athlete Rory Harris by less than a second. Last year’s April trials saw a B-final clash between Thompson, Harris and Oliver Costley with the latter coming out on top in the side-by-side competition. Costley came fourth in Boston, a little less than 10 seconds away from the top spot. Each of these three athletes will be in contention as they’re consistently performing at the highest level returning time and time again to stake their claims in a field that is ever changing.
Away from these three, Tobias Schroder remains the big fish. Not competing at trials last April, he did, however, secure a fourth-placed finish ahead of the three names previously mentioned. Having had a number of successes in sweep rowing, Schroder’s boat moving skills are one of his finest assets.
Jamie Gare is also a name to watch out for. He spent last year in the Bath University double with Cedol Dafydd, a crew that won Duisburg Regatta and reached the Friday of the Double Sculls Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. His performance at the Scullers Head in September was a little disappointing by his own incredibly high standards but word has it that he’s been out training in Seville over the past few weeks and has been honing his skills under Helen Brown.
Prediction
Prepare for some seriously close racing. It’s so difficult to separate most of these names and that means predicting an outcome is, invariably, quite the task. This weekend allows those in the GB hierarchy an opportunity to assess that which matters – top end speed. It’s how fast someone is over 2km that matters, that’s what delivers the gold medals. Harris is my pick for the fastest overall; he’s topping internal rankings at Leander and is arguably the strongest development sculler currently at the pink palace. Schroder’s inclusion makes it a little more interesting though, ultimately, his lack of experience is what differentiates him from who I believe will be the eventual victor.
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