Langridge sees no place for complacency (From Northwich Guardian)

Langridge sees no place for complacency

11:05am Thursday 21st July 2011 in Other sport

MATTHEW Langridge promises his new-look crew will not become complacent after they swept aside their rivals at last week’s final World Cup regatta in Switzerland.

Great Britain’s men’s four, with the former Northwich Rowing Club star on board, beat all of the contenders for gold at next month’s World Championships.

“If they were this week, then we’d be favourites,” he said.

“We’re in front of the field at this moment in time and everybody else knows they have to catch us up after sending their best crews to Lucerne.”

However the British quartet, which includes Knutsford’s Richard Egington, Alex Gregory and Tom James alongside Langridge, know how quickly things can change.

Last year they went to New Zealand as defending world champions only to return home without a medal after finishing fourth in a wind-affected final.

“We’re under no illusions; there’s a long wait now until the world championships and that gives our rivals time to improve,” added the 28-year-old.

“A lot can happen between now and then – injuries for example – so nothing is decided until we’re there.

“We have a psychological edge right now though, which is a nice position to be in.”

They are in form too; two World Cup wins and victory at Henley Royal Regatta means their record is unblemished since Olympic champion James replaced Alex Partridge in the line-up.

Langridge has switched from the stroke seat to bow, leaving Gregory to take on his former role.

“We can get better, why not?” said the former Hartford High School pupil.

“Each of us has been around long enough now to avoid complacency setting in and I feel it’s still early in our development as a crew.

“Sure we’ve had some good races but we’re learning all the time.

“I’m adapting to a new position in the boat like the others and so far we’ve only tried one combination; what if there is another one that could make us faster?”

It’s a prospect Great Britain’s rivals will not want to contemplate.

The World Championships, which serve as qualifiers for next year’s Olympic Games too, take place in Slovenia from August 28.