GB Trials - The Third Open Assessment: After the cancellation of the last GB assessment in December (for the second year in a row) and the return of the full national squad [aka The Big Deals] from the World Championships in Lake Karapiro, New Zealand, the third and final open assessment was always going to be a big day for all those involved. ICBC was represented on many fronts, from familiar names such as the man and legend that is Adam Freeman-Pask; to those who have recently joined the ranks of Imperial, Andrea Dennis; those who have been through the system as a junior, Wilf “TEAM KIMBERLEY” Kimberley and those headed to trials for the very first time, Chloe Symmonds.
The day was an early start for the IC contingent as they left the Thames behind and headed to 2012 Olympic venue, Dorney Lake. After a quick paddle (and weigh in for the lightweights), the pre-racing briefing was held and the shock of the day, announced. Instead of splitting the racing over the weekend (time trial and semi-finals on Saturday, finals on Sunday), all racing would take place on one day only. The intake of breath was practically audible as David Tanner explained this was due to the predicted bad weather for the Sunday. With the start of the time trial imminent, athletes began mentally rationing clothing and food like it was 1947, as most had only brought enough for the assumed two races of the day. Despite this, the ever professional ICBC dusted themselves off and prepared for the time trial. This year all categories (Heavyweight/Lightweight/Senior/U23) were combined so U23 lightweight men were racing the likes of Alan Campbell and the two halves of the Red Express, Marcus Bateman and Matt Wells, while U23 lightweight women were pitted against World Champions, Anna Watkins and Katherine Grainger.
Adam Freeman-Pask once again showed his suave style as he swept through the time trial to come 7th overall and the 2nd fastest lightweight of the day; ranks he maintained to the end of racing when he won the B Final. Further lightweight success was had by Wilf Kimberley, who was the fastest U20 athlete (6th U23 Lwt/8th U23/14th Lwt) of the day coming fifth in the E Final [proof that his big chat at the British Rowing Annual Dinner in January has some foundation?]. Henry Goodier made his mark in the F Final when he was the 5th fastest U23 heavyweight man of the day. Strong performances were also made by Josh “Where’s the Steep Bit?” Butler and Alex Gillies who made the G and I finals respectively.
ICBC’s women’s squadron also had a successful day. Mel Wilson had a good start in the time trial, coming 5th, ahead of World Champion Katherine Grainger and finished the day 9th overall. Sport Imperial’s Zoë Lee went from strength to strength during the day, coming in the top 30 in the time trial and proceeded take second place in the E Final (20th overall). The lightweight women did Imperial proud as Andrea Dennis and Laura Greenhalgh (FISU double partners) were pitted against one another and were 15th and 17th respectively in the time trial. Andrea went on to win the D Final, with Laura third in the same race making them the 2nd and 4th fastest lightweight ladies of the day. Chloe Symmonds was tentative before her first appearance at GB trials and was happy to be the 6th U23 lightweight woman after the time trial. Unfortunately, due to the condensing of racing into one day and the resulting diminishing light, Chloe’s final, along with two others, was cancelled.
One notable absence from trials was Jamie Alexander Kirkwood who, due to post viral fatigue, has been having weekly blood tests to check his recovery for the past 6 weeks [rumours that Team Kimberley couldn’t handle the competition and dumped him in a “ghetto” neighbourhood are unfounded].
For full results, see GB Rowing.
Libby Richards