Hodge and Reed lead the chase for success

OLYMPIC champions Andy Hodge and Nailsworth’s Peter Reed were due to launch their challenge for honours at the Henley Royal Regatta today.

Hodge and Reed are among seven Beijing gold medallists at this year’s regatta, which began yesterday.

They are contesting the Silver Goblets in the men’s pair and were today faced former Irish internationals, Mark Stephens and John Forde, from Galway, in the first round.

Reed and Hodge are expected to face stiff competition from New Zealanders Hamish Bond and Eric Murray later in the competition.

The Kiwis beat them in the World Cup at Munich a fortnight ago and if the pairs meet it will be in Saturday’s semi-final with the final on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Great Britain team has been announced for the final phase of the World Cup season in Lucerne from July 10-12, with Britain in pole position in the points table.

The line-up features Reed and Hodge in the men’s pair, plus Cheltenham’s Alex Partridge and Alex Gregory in the men’s four. There is also a place for Gloucester’s Beth Rodford in the women’s quadruple scull.

GB Rowing performance director, David Tanner, said: "We’re proud to be out at the front, but know the opposition gets tougher at each World Cup.

"This is the final chance for our boats to test themselves before the World Championships and we are looking forward to the challenge."