Groom stakes early claim for Olympic place

The 23-year-old beat Olympic bronze medallist Alan Campbell with a time of 6:57.8 minutes and his victory was all the more impressive in light of his recent injuries.

Groom was forced to undergo intensive treatment for a disc problem only a few weeks ago but is adamant the result was no surprise to him.

"I feel more satisfied than surprised," said Groom. "I feel that I had a good training camp up in the Sierra Nevada recently and set a personal best on the ergo, so I knew that I was back to my best physically.

"I was slightly ahead at halfway and thought I would give it my best shot and I knew that Alan has a devastating sprint finish so I wanted to row that out of him early in that second half.

"Like everyone here, I have big ambitions for this year."

Vicky Thornley won the equivalent women's event, Will Fletcher was men's lightweight champion while the lightweight women's title was claimed by Kat Copeland.

And after winning the men's pair event alongside partner Constantine Louloudis, Pete Reed was ecstatic to recapture his best form after a sub-par showing at last weekend's British Rowing Indoor Championships.

"It was quite a turnaround," said Reed. "I don't know what happened last weekend but I'd like to say thanks to the physios, especially Sally Brown, who work with the team.

"They have helped loosen off the whole area around my rib cage and diaphragm. Before that I felt really restricted.

"So I am pleased with the result today which was achieved in good fashion against top opposition. Stan has a big engine and he is great to row with."

Sportsbeat 2015