06:01AM, Thursday 20 June 2013
James Cook is excited by the prospect of representing Great Britain at the three-day World Rowing Cup at Eton Dorney starting tomorrow (Friday), really excited.
The Windsor rower, who will compete in the men’s pairs alongside Maidenhead’s Ertan Hazine, believes the duo can reach the A final after which anything else would be a bonus.
“We’re a young pair,” he said. “Ertan’s 20 and I’m 21 and so for us our main focus is the u23s world championships next month.
“So the World Cup is a test run for that, but it will be a real test as this is a senior event. This is the most high profile event I have taken part in and I can’t wait.
“We’re both excited, but I’m really, really excited.”
Looking at the challengers, Cook was in no doubt as to who were the favourites.
He said: “The New Zealand crew (Eric Murray and Hamish Bond) are Olympic champions and unbeaten in four years so they really are the benchmark, but it would be great to give them a run for their money.
“We have some good speed at the moment, but I suppose our main aim is to make the A final, that would be great.
“To get a medal obviously that would be incredible, but we’ll see. It’s going to be tough.”
Of the 76 athletes representing GB, including medallists from London 2012 like Helen Glover and Peter and Richard Chambers, there are several locals competing.
Maidenhead’s Jono Clegg and Adam Freeman-Pask, from Windsor, will compete alongside William Fletcher and Chris Bartley in the men’s lightweight four, while Oliver Cook, James’ brother, will line up in the men’s eight which also features experienced rowers William Satch and Andy Triggs-Hodge.
There is also a para-rowing section, which will feature Maidenhead resident Tom Aggar, keen to make up for his disappointing fourth place finish at last year’s Paralympics.
Marlow’s Naomi Riches will also feature in the mixed quad.
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For the latest on the World Rowing Cup visit www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk or follow sports editor Graeme Copas on twitter (@GraemeCopas) who will be reporting from Eton Dorney on Saturday and Sunday.
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