Munich Day 1 - TT and Heat

Tom Solesbury looking crisp at bow (far right)



Today has been a busy racing day.  It started with a TT at 1:35pm and a heat at 18:36pm.

We, along with most GB crews, performed strongly in the TT.  This is for two reasons 1) we are a really strong team competing for medals in most events 2) other nations couldn't be bothered.  For some the TT offered a chance to skip a round and go straight to the semi or final; for others, like the men's eights, it didn't really mean a whole lot and was more of a formality.  We took this challenge on and performed well, others backed off and minced down the course.  You say tomato, I say tomato.  We posted the fastest time of any boat.

As evening approached, we prepared for the heat.  We drew Germany, Netherlands and China - all strong crews, particularly Germany who are the reign world champions from 2009 and 2010.  Our race was a mixed bag, showing some great strengths and things to learn from.  We came second to the Germans by two seconds with the Dutch and Chinese a few seconds behind that.  The first place gives the Germans a bye into the A-final; we will race the repercharge tomorrow at 16:06 local time (15:06 BST).  You should be able to view it at worldrowing.com/live-results.

Tom Solesbury was "puckering" today as he realised he had forgotten his racing all-in-one (main piece of clothing).  Thankfully for him I often carry a spare in my bag and so was able to lend him one of mine - might have been a bit tight, but they performed well and qualified for the A-final.

I've been updating my Twitter now and then; I threw a few people off with a tweet that posted while I was on the start line - you can follow me @nrod2012.  Keep an eye out for some mid-race tweets.

Matt Wells has had his ghost writer typing for him again at redexpress2012.com.  Today's post cover's nine ways to execute a time trial.  They left off "No. 10 - The Hogwarts Express" - it consists of the Weasley twins, a couple of brooms each and a stiff yellow snake to use as a boat; then just let the magic happen.

Night before Day

Here is a video I took a few days ago while at Dorney lake, I've uploaded a few other clips to my new YouTube channel ["nrodvlog"]; You should also be able to view it on the left hand side (part-way down).

Today we had two good sessions on the course in Munich.  We will have two races tomorrow; the first at 12:35 BST; the second at 17:35 BST.  Our first race is unusual as it will be a time trial over 1900m.  Readers of previous posts will know that we often do this as part of our National Trials, but I have never had to do it in an international race.  The reason FISA (the World Governing Body) is doing this is to practice the procedure should it be required at events where the weather prevents fair racing in a side by side format.  It should be interesting how it pans out...

The second race will be our heat.  The heats will be seeded from the time trial and the winners will go straight to the A-final.  Places 2-6 will have to race again in the repercharge (Sat).

Both races can be watched live at here on the World Rowing website.  I don't think there will be a live video feed until the finals on Sunday.

I'm aware my posts have become slightly sterile and will look to juice them up a bit where possible!  Comments and suggestions welcome.

Munich Awaits

Today I, and the rest of the GB Rowing Team,  landed in Munich onboard flight LH 2471.  Everyone told me that the weather was going to be rubbish and so packed a full 20kg of wet-weather gear; instead I emerged from the plane into 24 degrees of clear skys and light breeze.  Munich airport is no stranger, and so made the usual route from arrivals to the coach park.  From there it was straight to our hotel (Victor's Residenz-Hotel Munchen) for lunch.  After lunch I saw the physio (Sally) for a bit of work on my hip and side.  The bus to the course arrived at 3:30pm, everyone in the team boarded to unload the boats from the trailer and go for a session.  Today we had a great session and made a real positive start here in Munich.  Here is an extract from Matt Wells on his blog @ http://www.redexpress2012.com/ -

"With all the talk being of the Ash Cloud the sequel descending on Europe again. We thought that we would be up against it, even just getting to Munich.
But we are here and all the kit has arrived in the same condition it left. That is thanks to the team of drivers and equipment managers who do an amazing job, going far beyond what is ever expected of them. Without this experienced and unflappable team working tirelessly behind the scenes British rowing would never be the successful sport it is.

When we the British Team arrive at a regatta venue the rest of the world know about it and that isn't just because of the noise certain members of the women's team make. We are all clad head to foot in matching Adidas showing how much of a team we are, it’s a real show of presence.

However once the unloading of two trailers is underway teamwork is quickly forgotten and it is every boat for themselves. When there are eighteen boats to be taken off the two trailers with the corresponding riggers/wings and blades there is a lot of action, when you then throw into the mix the fact there is only eight sets of slings you get the picture of the chaos.    I say chaos but when you look around each boat is working in total synergy, each person being responsible for one particular job this is even more remarkable when you consider there isn't even one person in charge, it’s like an army of ants!  There is then a rush to get onto the lake to get the best water."

Uncharacteristically amusing from Matt there, he must have a ghost writer...

I hope to bring you a few pictures and videos for tomorrow but don't hold your breath as the internet as a pretty low upload limit!

Update coming soon

The past fortnight has been very hectic with some good training and new things happening.  I will update soon...