Every year, the GB junior squad hold a training camp in Nantes. After performing well at trials and winning Hampton Head, beating Windsor boys, a seat on the coach was reserved for me this year.
The week consisted of two sessions a day, and when the river froze over on day four, like amphibious ghouls, drained of any energy we once had, we took to the land for training. After two days on the water, racking up around 75 kilometres on the water, we were set a 30 minute test on the ergo. Naturally I took the corner erg, not wanting to show anyone else up. I expected to be somewhere near the back of the group, however I managed to break my PB by a fair margin, impressing the coaches in the process.
A great thing about doing a camp such as this is getting to know everyone, most of them I will be rowing with nearer the end of the year when they are looking at crew boats for the championships.
Last year all but two rowers that went to Nantes ended up competing for GB at the end of the year. Hopefully successful results at Trials on the 19th and 20th February will leave me in good stead for the World Championships held this year at Dorney Lake, Eton (some second rate school near Windsor). Obviously it’s a bit early to be buying tickets but if everything goes to plan, I’d like to think I have what it takes.
Richard Clarke
8 years ago
