OLYMPIC champion Zac Purchase was a happy man after returning to the top step of the podium in the first World Cup race of the season in Slovenia.

Purchase has not raced on the international circuit since claiming Olympic gold in the lightweight double sculls Beijing two years ago after illness.

And despite racing without regular sculls partner Mark Hunter, who is out with injury, the Bushley rower extended his remarkable unbeaten record on the international stage to 16 races.

"It's great to be back. I love racing, it's what you train every day for," said Purchase after recording a stunning victory.

Leading out of the start gate, Purchase hit every mark first and led France's Maxime Goisett over the line by almost seven seconds.

There was also a terrific win for the men's four containing Cheltenham's Alex Partridge and Alex Gregory.

The reigning world champions went into the regatta wanting to stamp their authority on the event and by the 500 metre mark had raced into a one second lead over Serbia.

The Serbs began to claw their way back in to the running and as the race moved past the grandstands, the British quartet dug deep, moved up a gear and held onto win with Serbia second and Canada third.

"We did what we needed to do to win," said Partridge.

"It was difficult to get a good, sweet rhythm as the conditions on the lake are a bit 'washy' but it feels good to win".

Gregory, who was born in Cheltenham and learned to row at Evesham Rowing club added: "It's a good start to the season.

"We are not at the standard we were at the end of last year but we can make lots of improvements."

Former Gloucester Rowing Club star Natasha Page was part of the victorious women's eight that held off the challenge of China and the Netherlands to win by half a length.

Her former clubmate Beth Rodford also claimed gold. Teaming up with British team stalwart Katherine Grainger, Anna Watkins and Annabel Vernon, the quartet held off the challenge of Ukraine to claim victory.

"That was so much fun," said Rodford after claiming gold.

"We knew the Ukraine would be tough as they are the world champions, so we had to step up from our heat."

There was a mixed bag of results for Gloucestershire's other Olympic champion Pete Reed.

Racing alongside pairs partner Andy Triggs Hodge, the pair were defeated again by New Zealand, but with the British crew putting up a much improved performance in difficult conditions.

"Our time will come", said Reed afterwards. "We need to go away and work on our technique in rough water but we made a big step up today."

However the day improved for a tired Reed who stepped into the men's eight as a late substitute for injured stroke Tom Wilkinson and helped the crew claim gold.

"I'm exhausted", said Reed after the win. "but such credit must go to this crew.

"There a lot of young guys who are not experienced and they have an exciting future ahead and were strong and committed today.

"It was great rowing with them."