Vicky and Erica excel at GB Rowing trials
University of Bath-based rowers Vicky Thornley and Erica Bodman both produced impressive performances at the first GB Rowing team trials for the 2010 season.
Vicky, who has been rowing for less than two years, finished fourth overall – two places higher than at last year’s trials. Vicky’s time of 21:21.7 for the 5000m water time trial was only seven seconds, or less than two per cent, behind that of winner Debbie Flood, the double Olympic silver medallist.
Erica’s time of 21:34.6 at her first GB trial was the sixth highest overall and made her the highest placed under-23 rower. She has only been rowing for 18 months and has been training in Bath since July.
The trial consisted of a 2k ergo test on the Saturday and a 5000m time trial on the water at Boston in Lincolnshire.
Both Vicky and Erica are members of the Minerva Bath Rowing Club and are on GB Rowing’s World Class Start programme, which is sponsored by Siemens and supported by UK Sport with National Lottery money. They are coached by Paul Stannard, GB Rowing’s World Class Start Performance Development Coach.
There were also strong performances in the men’s trials by University of Bath students Rob Good and Nick McMullan, who finished 44th and 54th respectively. The pair are both new to rowing and both achieved personal best times in the ergos.
Rob, who is studying Pharmacology at the University of Bath, has been on the GB Rowing’s World Class Start Programme for a year. Nick is studying Aerospace Engineering.
The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its TeamBath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.
Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or 01225 443998 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com
