Grainger faces first test on road to Beijing gold

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FOR SCOTLAND'S three-time world champion Katherine Grainger, the road to Beijing gold enters its final and most testing lap this weekend when rowing’s World Cup series gets under way in Munich.

The Aberdeen rower starts her competitive campaign where it ended last year, in the crucial stroke seat of Britain's quadruple sculls crew. She is backed up by Annie Vernon, Debbie Flood and Frances Houghton.

The same crew took last year's world title in Munich but if the four were hoping for a gentle re-entry into action this year, they will be disappointed.

Included in this weekend's field are last year's silver medallists Germany, with just one crew change, and bronze medallists China, who return intact.

Grainger is fully aware of the task she has this weekend and her target for the season.

She said: “Without a doubt the main aim of this year will be bringing back the first Olympic gold medal for the GB women's squad. I would expect to see them putting out some strong crews at the World Cup."

The British quartet is in action today, hoping to qualify direct for Sunday's final.