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ROWING

Bridgewater keen to compete in Waikatos big race

Monday 7 September 2009, 4:00PM

By Rowing New Zealand

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Gallagher Great Race stalwart Nathan Twaddle � who is on the comeback trail and who could yet make this year�s crew.
Gallagher Great Race stalwart Nathan Twaddle  who is on the comeback trail and who could yet make this years crew. Credit: Rowing New Zealand
George Bridgewater (Right, second from nearest rower) on his way to winning the Boat Race for Oxford. Now the crew takes on Waikato University.
George Bridgewater (Right, second from nearest rower) on his way to winning the Boat Race for Oxford. Now the crew takes on Waikato University. Credit: Rowing New Zealand

WAIKATO

Olympic bronze medallist George Bridgewater is itching to get back on New Zealand water with his Boat Race winning Oxford crew in the Gallagher Great Race – and relishing the possibility that long time pairs partner Nathan Twaddle might yet be in the Waikato crew he will race.

 

“I have been getting excited about this race since the Boat Race,” explained Bridgewater. “And I am now enjoying a new training focus. Of course, it’s going to be quite a different story rowing for Oxford against Waikato.”

 

“Hopefully Nathan will be in the race. I think he will be pretty fit, it sounds like it’s been a long summer of training for him after recovering from his operation so I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to having a good blowout of the lungs and legs. I think it will be a close race, but whatever the outcome we should all have a great time in what is becoming a bit of a rowing legend globally in the sport.”

 

Twaddle – in full training as he strives to win back a place in the New Zealand team ahead of the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro would not confirm he will be in the crew. “It’s a possibility for sure, but at this stage nothing is definite.”

 

Bridgewater – like Twaddle - has raced in the unique event before and is confident he can give his crew some valuable inside knowledge when the race begins at 1.00pm on Sunday 27th in Hamilton.

 

“I’ll definitely be able to give a little insight into the river currents with some local knowledge,” he said. Twaddle agreed that inside knowledge would be vital to both crews.

 

“The river and the race throw up some unique challenges and anyone with experience on the river or in the race will know that. The Waikato challenges the rowers and the coxswain perhaps more than any river I have competed on.”

 

Bridgewater will be joined by fellow Boat Race winners Alex Hearne, Michal Plotkowiak and Colin Smith and is likely to be part of one of the biggest crews ever to race in the Gallagher Great Race. “That’s looking like a distinct possibility,” said race organiser Rob Hammill. The 2009 Gallagher Great Race, though, could well be rowing legend Bridgewater’s last appearance in a top class race. “It could be,” he said. “I’ve begun to look for some form of job, so I am not sure where I will be in the long term but it’s definitely exhilarating thinking about new challenges.”

 

Gallagher Great Race schedule:

 

1 September – Crew Selection, The Cook, Hamilton

19 September – Great Race Bar Opening The Rowers Arms (aka The Old Hog), Hood St, Hamilton

20 September – Coaches Function – Quiz night, The Cook, Hamilton

21-23 September – Dine with the crews, The Rowers Arms, Hood St, Hamilton

25 September – Indoor Row, The Rowers Arms, Hood St, Hamilton

26 September – The Great Race 7km Fun Run

26 September – Legends Party, The Rowers Arms, Hood St, Hamilton

27 September – Legends Brunch, The Rowers Arms, Hood St, Hamilton

- The Holdfast One Million Metre Community Row

- The Gallagher Great Race, Grantham St, Hamilton

- Victory Party, The Rowers Arms, Hood St, Hamilton