Reed insists coxless four can go undefeated in 2010

By Holly Hamilton, Sportsbeat

OLYMPIC champion Peter Reed has issued a rallying cry to his British teammates to glide through 2010 undefeated in the coxless four before capturing gold at October's World Championships in New Zealand.

HIGH HOPES: Peter Reed (left, with Andy Triggs Hodge) wants to go undefeated in 2010 in his return to the coxless four (Getty Images)

The 28-year old resorted to the coxless pair with Andy Triggs Hodge in 2009 and enjoyed immediate success, striking gold at the World Cup in Banyoles and silver at the World Championships in Poznan.

But Reed, who won coxless four Olympic gold in Beijing two years ago with Tom James, Triggs Hodge and the now-retired double Olympic champion Steve Williams, has turned his attention back to the four for the new season.

And with James and Triggs Hodge also expected to retain their seats in British Rowing's most exclusive boat, Reed insists 2010 is the perfect time to iron out the creases before qualification for London 2012 begins next year.

"My hopes for 2010 are to get selected into a settled crew that can win everything comprehensively," said Reed, who lifted coxless four world titles in 2005 and 2006.

"That is something that can definitely happen and we are ready for the battle ahead and want to stay focused to achieve what we want.

"I really do think we could go through this season undefeated and then see how we handle ourselves in 2011 up to the Olympics.

"Our main rivals have to be Australia and of course New Zealand as it will be their home World Championships, but we are confident against them."

Meanwhile, Welshman James spent a year away from the sport in 2009 to recover from the excesses of Beijing.

But while the final team selection ultimately lies in the hands of head coach Jurgen Grobler, the 23-year old is adamant he still has what it takes to secure a spot in the top British boat for the upcoming season.

And with anything less than gold in 2012 likely to be seen as failure, James is adamant the crew will be desperate to impress in 2010.

"Considering the state of the team we have at the moment, I definitely think we can win a gold medal in New Zealand," said James.

"Rowing is a harsh sport because boats change around depending on who is on form.  It's hard when decisions have to be made over who will make it in to the boat.

"We are aware that there will be new people coming in and some of the current  juniors will want to perform at 2012.

"But as long as I carry on how I have been, I feel like I've got a good chance of being in the top boat.

"The prize of competing in front of friends and family on home soil is driving all three of us to be back in that boat."