Britain's Matthew Pinsent got off to a good start in his bid for a fourth Olympic gold medal when his coxless four won their heat today to qualify straight through to the semi-final. The British crew of Pinsent, Olympic champion James Cracknell, Steve Williams and Ed Coode finished nearly two seconds ahead of a fast finishing Italian crew.
World champions Canada and favourites for the event also won their heat, with clear water over their opposition. They finished over five seconds slower than the British, but racing at a lower rate, looked liked they could step up their pace if needed.
The Australian men's coxless pair of Drew Ginn and James Tomkins, members of the original "oarsome foursome" also got their campaign off to a clean start, winning their heat by three seconds.
Tomkins, who is competing at his fourth Olympics and aiming for his third gold, and Ginn, aiming for his second gold, have not competed internationally since they won the 1999 World championships.
The first day of the Olympic regatta enjoyed near perfect conditions at the Schinias venue, with a light cross-tail wind prevailing.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
