With the previous round of Boston trials cancelled in November, this weekend is an opportunity for those athletes on the development pathway to highlight their potential to keen onlookers within the GB setup. Established and emerging athletes alike will be going to the midlands in a race that is all about those who continue to come through the ranks and develop into international athletes
Leander Club
Leander Club have a number of athletes competing this weekend. It’s my belief that one of these will come out on top at the conclusion of this race. Miles Devereux, Tobias Schroder and Daniel Jones have all raced at an international level in the previous year. It’s difficult to separate these athletes from one another as a result of their consistently high level. There is no doubt that their experience on the international stage will provide them with the level of confidence that they need to earn such a feat once more. Honourable mentions should be given to Oliver Costly and Rory Harris, who have both fared well throughout the trialing process. Whether they can overturn their teammates remains to be seen.
Twickenham RC
Aidan Thompson has been rowing in the senior GB men’s double alongside John Collins and will, undoubtedly, believe that he has what it takes to defeat the flotilla of Leander crews that stand before him. Once highlighted to rise through the sculling ranks, Thompson has a point to prove and will be eager to regain his place within the GB Team over the coming months. The Twickenham rower should relish the strength of the field that he faces and stake a claim for any seats that might become available.
University of Leeds BC
Undoubtedly the outsider, Matt Brigham heads to Boston looking to challenge some of the faces that he has competed against for a number of years now. Since shocking the rowing world with his victory against Mahe Drysdale at Henley Royal Regatta, Brigham has yet to find this form on a basis that could be described as consistent. Importantly, however, he has the potential to grind out a victory and upset some of the bigger names that he’ll be competing against.
Prediction
It is hard to look past the pink armada that Leander have brought to bear. Miles Devereux was seventh in the world at U23 level just months ago whilst Rory Harris has a plethora of experience at this level. Aidan Thompson is likely to provide the stiffest challenge as the most senior sculler on the starting grid. It’s all to play for as we close out the Paris Olympiad.
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