MATTHEW Langridge marked his debut at the European Rowing Championships by winning a gold medal for Great Britain in the men’s pair on Sunday morning.

The Northwich rower partnered James Foad to first place in the final at Poznan, holding off a late challenge from France and Serbia.

“We were a bit rusty,” admitted the 32-year-old afterwards.

“We had the boat speed, but forgot we needed to relax once we’d got ourselves in front.

“We tensed up at the end, which made it harder.”

Langridge, a two-time Olympic medallist, and Foad led from the start on Lake Malta, with closest rivals Serbia half a boat length adrift after 1,500m.

However the duo were caught in the closing stages by both of their rivals, edging the fast-finishing French – who won silver at the Olympic Games in London – on the line.

Serbia took bronze.

Langridge said: “We haven’t raced in six months.

“I knew we’d won though.”

Langridge, who missed last year’s edition while he recovered from a back injury, and Foad had qualified for the final after winning the second heat ahead of Serbia on Friday.

They claimed a silver medal, behind reigning Olympic champions New Zealand, at last year’s world championships.

Great Britain ended the regatta in Poland at the top of the medal table with six gold, two silver and as many bronze gongs.

Result

European Rowing Championships

Lake Malta, Poznan

Sunday

Men’s pair

A final: 1. Great Britain 6:27.890; 2. France 6:28.160; 3. Serbia 6:28.940; 4. Czech Republic 6:33.330; 5. Hungary 6:33.550; 6. Turkey 6:41.930.