JAMES Foad and the British men’s eight admit Olympic gold is currently hanging above the heads of the German crew after the opening heats at Eton Dorney Lake.

However, with the medals not being decided until Wednesday, Southampton ace Foad and co are confident they can navigate the repechage and use the extra race to upset the favourites.

Britain were drawn in the same heat as Germany, as the London 2012 rowing events officially got underway, but couldn’t cross the line first to progress straight to the final.

Instead it was Germany who took victory, leading from start to finish to clock 5:25.52 minutes with Foad and co trailing just over two seconds behind in second.

Germany now advance straight to Wednesday’s final with the British eight returning for the repechage round today – not that Foad is overly concerned about it.

“A real positive from the race was certainly the second 1000m where we managed to keep up with the Germans,” said Foad.

“That is something we have improved on from the World Cup season but I honestly don’t think we are there yet.

“We have come here to win gold and gold only and at the moment we aren’t quite there as we are still behind the Germans.

“But we have certainly got something to go and build on.”

 

Full story in today's Daily Echo