MATT Wells was optimistic of returning to next year’s World Rowing Championships a gold medallist despite a disappointing finish to this year’s regatta.
Britain went into the finals weekend but Hexham’s Wells (pictured right) and double sculls partner Stephen Rowbotham were one of a number of teams who failed to live up to expectations. The GB pair had to settle for fourth, three seconds off the pace in 6:19.10 after reaching the final sprint for the line with nothing left in the tank.
Slovenia led at the halfway point with France and Estonia not far behind and Wells and Rowbotham leaving themselves too much to do to claim a place on the podium.
“Going into the last 500m we thought we had a chance of gold and went for it,” said Rowbotham, a graduate of Durham University. “But both of us worked too hard and got tired in the last 250m.”
Slovenia held on for first, while the French pipped World Cup series winners Estonia to silver. “I’m bitterly disappointed,” added Wells. “But we’re definitely in the running for gold next year.”
Great Britain qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics with their performances in the heats, but had been strongly tipped for at least a medal.
With bronzes for Colin Smith and Matt Langridge in the men’s pair and Anna Bebington and Elise Laverick in the women’s double scull, Saturday was a major disappointment for the British team. Perhaps the most surprising result saw the world champion men’s four finish fourth in a race won by New Zealand in 5:54.24.
“Of course we had hoped for and expected better across the board,” said GB Performance Director David Tanner. “The men’s four result was a big disappointment. But we should celebrate the excellent bronzes from our men’s pair and women’s double.
