March Trials

Five UCC athletes have just finished three days of trialing for the national team. The weekend started on Friday morning with a 1900m time trial. First off was Andy in the U23 1x category followed by Stephen in the Lwt U23 1x then Saoirse in the Women's Lwt U23 1x. In a moderate to strong head  wind Andy put in a performance deserving of the clear steps on he has made in training on and off the water in recent weeks. First in the U23 1x and top U23 heavy weight percentage. Very good result for Andy in his first year with the club.
Stephen and Saoirse also raced this time trial with mixed results. Stephen's category is one of the toughest, including a 2013 World medalist. He raced well, moving forward from his result at February trials and keeping himself in the mix this season. Saoirse battled in the headwind and was a little off her high standard.
Saturday's racing saw Justin fighting for a place in a light pair for the Senior World Championships, the racing was brutal and Justin narrowly missed out. However this plot will role further than 2014 and Justin has shown he has the tools necessary to go the distance. Athlete and coach must return to the workshop to ensure those tools are put to good use.
Sunday's racing was a 2000m side by side race off. Saoirse in the single managed to overturn a 20 second deficit from Friday, a superb demonstration of the fight in this athlete, great job. Justin jumped into his single and recorded a very respectable percentage and Ciarán raced in the Para-rowing trial- His first ever official race for the club, objective number one- staying dry, was achieved..
Watching the five athletes over the weekend, three of them first years was hugely rewarding. Their focus, their drive, their willingness to learn and move on and their honesty when confronted by the need to be better are all significant in furthering themselves and the Club- many of whom have slaved away on the ergs over the weekend while the lake was closed for training. This attitude is becoming more consistent across the whole squad, I look forward to seeing how the entire squad now takes on the regatta season that is fast approaching...