GREAT Britain’s men’s four – including Northwich rower Matthew Langridge – eased to victory in the their heat this morning at the season’s third World Cup regatta.

Langridge, plus crewmates Richard Egington, Alex Gregory and Alex Partridge, trailed France after the first 500m before taking control.

They crossed the line five seconds ahead of their closest rival to book a semi final spot tomorrow, Saturday.

France and New Zealand 1 join them.

The fastest time of the day was set by New Zealand’s second crew on their way to victory in the fourth heat, when they became the only boat to set a sub-six minutes time.

Serbia, on their way to winning heat two, also rowed quicker than Great Britain.

USA, who pipped Langridge and co to second spot in Munich last month, won the other qualifier in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The semi finals are in the morning.


World Cup regatta
Friday, July 8
Men’s four Heat One

1. Great Britain 6:00.66
2. France 6:05.12
3. New Zealand 1 6:05.73