4:54pm Thursday 11th June 2009
By Andrew Simpson
MATT Langridge goes for a second World Cup gold in Germany next weekend.
The former Northwich Rowing Club star is part of an unchanged men’s four, announced yesterday, Wednesday, as they look to continue their successful start to the summer.
“We’ve come a long way in a short time,” said Langridge today, Thursday.
“Obviously it’s still a very early stage in our development as a crew, but the early signs are encouraging and we’ve set fast times already.
“Everybody is feeling confident about next week.”
Langridge will be joined by Knutsford’s Ric Egington, GB Rowing squad newcomer Alex Gregory and fellow Olympic silver medallist Alex Partridge.
The combination secured gold in Banyoles last month, but will expect to be tested against stronger competition in Munich.
“The Germans have entered a crew made up of pretty much the same guys that reached the Olympic final last year,” said Langridge.
“Slovenia will be there too and they were fourth in the same race.”
Overall the GB Rowing line-up for Munich is similar to that which raced at the opening World Cup in Spain a fortnight ago.
That squad delivered a strong medal tally, but heightened opposition from a larger number of nations is expected in Munich before the third and final regatta in Switzerland next month.
After that attention turns to the World Championships at the end of August.
"We had some marvellous results in Spain and won the overall World Cup points tally there but we don't expect such a straightforward ride in Munich," said GB Rowing Performance Director David Tanner.
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