I raced in the Diamond Challenge Sculls last year at Henley, this year I will be racing in the eight.
As I've mentioned, the GB team has pulled out of the Hamburg World Cup as the risk of ecoli is too high; some other teams have also pulled out since we announced our withdrawal and the Germans have insisted there is no risk to athletes. That means two things 1) we will get beasted at home instead 2) Henley Royal Regatta is our next chance to race.
The eight is going well and we are progressing on a few fronts, hopefully gaining the necessary edge to overturn any opposition. I feel I have made some good personal improvements but still need to apply this on a more consistent basis.
Henley Royal is a unique event; for those who haven't been, you will no doubt have connotations of hoorah Henry's and dusty WASP farts. There is no denying that those stereotypes exist, but Henley is so much more than that. We will be racing in the Grand Challenge Cup, the blue ribband event. We will be racing against the fastest eights in the World - side by side, Mano et Mano. For the athletes involved it will be one of the most electric feelings you will ever get, as a result I'm getting goosebumps as I write. If you are available you should get yourself down on the 29th June - 3rd July. It's held in the centre of Henley and tickets for the Regatta Enclosure can be purchased here or you can watch the whole thing for free by finding a spot along the river bank. Due to high numbers of drunken chavs and rowdy toffs, Saturday night is not a family environment. Any other time it's a fantastic way to relax and watch some really world class racing is a fun and carnival atmosphere. I hope to see some of you there!
