Cracknell and Romero abandon tandem attempt

OLYMPIC champions James Cracknell and Rebecca Romero have been forced to abandon their non-stop tandem record attempt from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Romero - who won cycling gold in Beijing after capturing rowing silver in Athens - stopped after receiving medical advice when the duo reached Johnston Bridge in Scotland.

The pair set out on the 874 mile journey aiming to break the current record of two days, three hours, 19 minutes and 23 seconds.

But doctors warned Romero could do long-term damage to her knee if she was to continue and the attempt was abandoned after 29 hours.  

Double Olympic gold medallist Cracknell had already suffered from blisters but the pair were ahead of schedule as they entered day two.

They had planned to cycle non-stop at just under 16.5mph to beat the record - which includes toilet breaks and rest stops. 

Cracknell - who won consecutive rowing golds in Sydney and Athens - said he would like to try the route again, but Romero ruled out any further attempts.