Reed and Triggs Hodge ready to prove themselves in Belgium

OLYMPIC coxless fours champions Andy Triggs Hodge and Pete Reed are looking to stamp their authority as the number one duo in the men's pairs at the British Rowing Trials in Belgium this weekend.

SEASONED OLYMPIANS: Pete Reed and Andy Triggs Hodge will be looking to start off their 2010 season with a bang as they compete at the British trials in Belgium (Getty Images)

The event helps determine the World Cup and World Championship squad pecking order for the season, with 2010 seeing a number of Olympic rowers returning to the sport after taking a year out following their efforts at Beijing 2008.

Despite also enjoying success in the coxless fours, Triggs Hodge and Reed have five titles apiece in the pairs and won World Cup gold last May together in Banyoles.

But Reed knows they have something to prove to head coach Jurgen Grobler after consistently coming second best to New Zealanders Eric Murray and Hamish Bond last season, having to settle for silver at the World Championships last August.

"I have a strange, masochistic excitement about the GB Rowing Trials," said Reed.

"I'll be racing for my 6th straight win in the men's pair and there is always a huge amount of pressure surrounding the event.

"Jürgen wants to see a strong performance and racing your teammates is always so mentally tough.

"I know we have got serious fire power and experience on our side, so I'm sure we can deliver something special."

Also looking to make an impact in 2010 is Olympic lightweight men's double scull champion Zac Purchase, as he tests himself following a debilitating illness which saw him miss nearly all of last season.

However, Purchase's usual partner in crime Mark Hunter has withdrawn from the event at the last minute on medical grounds.

Challenging Purchase will be Paul Mattick and crew-partner Rob Williams, who beat his double sculls teammate to take the single scull title last year.

And Williams is under no illusions as to how tough the competition will be when he takes to the water in Belgium.

"The competition in the lightweight squad is fierce. That's good news as we are all pushing each other on," said Williams.

"We've got Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter back in the squad this year which adds to the picture.

"The trials are a time to test out our strengths in race conditions before the season begins in May. Based on training, I'm sure the races in Belgium will be close."

Meanwhile, also coming back into the fold is 1992 Olympic gold medallist Greg Searle, who started rowing again late last year after a nine-year gap, and will compete in the open weight men's single scull.