by Mette Rodgers
TTRC crews finally saw action in the Quintin Head on Saturday 20th January after an autumn plagued by cancellations due to bad weather conditions.
Both the women’s 8+ and men’s 8+ were among 300 crews competing in the race – one of the biggest Tideway VIIIs rowing heads and the first of the winter racing season.
The women’s 8+ – made up of cox Michael Tchoubouroff, Kasia Wroblewska, Women’s Captain Jackie Marie, Barbara Kielim, Izzy Meron, Louise Martin, Hana Fegutova, Mette Rodgers and Sue Holland – competed in the Women’s Masters D category and completed the 4,4 km course between Chiswick Bridge and Fulham Reach in 14 minutes 8 seconds. Despite overtaking Weybridge they were beaten into second place by Marlow; 12 seconds behind. As a result, Coach Michael demanded that everybody improve their 5k erg time by 15 seconds before the next race.
The men’s 8+ – coxed by Woody, the veteran olympian – was hit by a last-minute injury when Paul Arnold was forced to pull out after having put his back out while attempting a new workout – skipping! Luckily Chris Tidmarsh was able to step into the 7-seat to complete the lineup of Men’s Captain Nathan Goodman, Tim Primmer, Nigel Brophy, Jay Sitaraman, Jonathan Geitner, Michael Gatzoulis, and Zak Keene.
The men competed in the Masters E category and completed the course in 13 minutes 45 seconds – 24 seconds faster than last year despite competing in the younger Masters D category in 2023!
After the long row back to the UL boathouse – against the stream – crew members all went to the Bull’s Head to wait for the results and congratulate each other on a late but great start to the racing season.
Women’s 8+ (left to right): Michael Tchoubouroff – cox, Sue Holland, Izzy Meron, Hana Fegutova, Jackie Marie, Barbara Kielim, Mette Rodgers, Kasia Wroblewska, Louise Martin.
Men’s 8+ Standing (left to right): Nathan Goodman Men’s Captain, Michael Gatzoulis, Nigel Brophy, Zak Keene, Jay Sitaraman, Chris Tidmarsh, Tim Primmer, Jonathan Geitner
In front (left to right): cox’s: Woody & Michael Tchoubouroff.
Women’s 8+: Michael Tchoubouroff – cox. 8. Kasia Wroblewska, 7. Jackie Marie, 6. Barbara Kielim, 5. Izzy Meron, 4. Louise Martin, 3. Hana Fegutova, 2. Mette Rodgers, 1. Sue Holland.
Men’s 8+: Woody – cox. 8. Nathan Goodman Men’s Captain, 7. Chris Tidmarsh, 6. Tim Primmer, 5. Nigel Brophy, 4. Jay Sitaraman, 3. Jonathan Geitner, 2. Michael Gatzoulis, 1. Zak Keene.
Top image:
Standing (left to right): Chris Tidmarsh, Jonathan Geitner, Jay Sitaraman, Michael Gatzoulis, Nigel Brophy, Hana Fegutova, Zak Keene, Barbara Kielim, Tim Primmer, Izzy Meron, Jackie Marie, Mette Rodgers, Kasia Wroblewska, Sue Holland.
Kneeling: (left to right): Louise Martin, cox: Michael Tchoubouroff.
