With the summer racing season fast approaching, it’s time for the next phase of the GB U23 team trial. The April trials will again pit some of the country’s best oarsmen against each other in six-lane, 2k racing. Some are looking to regain their international vests, while others are aiming to earn theirs for the first time. With seat racing still to come, this weekend will be the crews’ first opportunity to size each other up in a side-by-side battle—the mental game starts now.
I will dive into a few combinations I think will be at the top once the dust settles, but due to the clash with the Boat Race and some crew changes, things are looking a little shaken up. All competitors will be in the middle of Easter training blocks, having logged some serious miles recently. The big question: who will have the legs to propel themselves to victory this weekend?
Morgan-Jones/Warren, Durham University BC
The fastest full U23 pair and the only unchanged combination from February, Morgan-Jones and Warren have been rowing together for the past 18 months. During that time, they’ve amassed a steady stream of BUCS medals, most recently as part of the Durham University eight that defended their championship gold medal at BUCS Head. Having spent so much time together, they know each other’s stroke inside and out. They are the undeniable favourites to be the fastest U23 pair once again.
Lauchlan/Plein, University of London BC / Seeclub Zürich
In February, Lauchlan and his then-partner Beever of Cambridge finished less than a second behind the Durham University pair. Fast forward to April, and Beever is now in the Blue Boat for Cambridge this weekend, leaving Lauchlan to adapt with a new partner. With Charlie Plein by his side, they’ll be gunning for the top spot this time. Plein is no stranger to 2k racing, having had solid performances during the 23/24 season in Switzerland, including the Swiss indoor and national championships. The main question with this new combination is how many miles they’ve logged together.
Fisher/Bell, Oxford Brookes University BC
This could be the biggest U23 pairing that Brookes currently has. Fisher was the third-fastest U23 strokeside in February, and Bell, a late addition to the boat, will undoubtedly have his sights set on the top spot this weekend. While this combination may be newer than some, they’ve put in the work, training in one of the most competitive rowing environments in the world. Don’t let Bell’s late addition fool you—this will be a seriously fast pair. Having raced in the Brookes’ Ladies’ Challenge Plate eight at Henley Royal Regatta last year, it’s safe to say he knows how to put the blade in the water.
Brockway/Bowes, Newcastle University BC
Like their northern rivals, this isn’t the first time Brockway and Bowes have lined up together on the start line. However, after finishing 20 seconds behind the top spot in February, these Blue Star athletes are heading south with a point to prove. Is their intensity-based program the secret to success over 2,000 meters? Brockway was part of the silver-medalling eight at the U23 European Rowing Championships two years ago, and I think they’ll be hoping to lean on his experience to guide them into a top spot.
Prediction
It’s a tough call to make, as 2k racing is a completely different game than 5k racing, and there is no shortage of experience in this field. However, after a commanding performance in February, I’m predicting Morgan-Jones/Warren to take first place, with Fisher/Bell in second.
Best of luck to all crews!
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
