Worcester rower Giedre Rakauskaite promised there is more to come at the Paralympics after winning her fifth European title.
She combined with Ed Fuller, Josh O’Brien, Frankie Allen, and coxswain Erin Kennedy to deliver an astounding performance in the PR3 mixed four class held at Szeged, Hungary.
The gold medallist's victory is the latest update to an extraordinary 14-year unbroken winning streak for the boat.
Allen said: "I’m really happy that this is the marker we’ve set for the start of the season.
"We’re constantly pushing each other, pushing ourselves to make this combination as good as it can be.
"All we can do is stay in our lane, and try not to be distracted by everything else happening around us."
The British team, despite a fierce headwind that made it one of the longest races in recent memory, emerged triumphant with a near 13-second lead.
The triumphant team were joined on the podium by France and Italy, marking the end of the final major regatta before Paris 2024.
In reflection of the challenging conditions, Rakauskaite said: "We’re at Caversham every day and it pretty much felt like home out there!"
On the subject of personnel changes within their team, with O’Brien securing European gold at his first attempt, stepping in for Morgan Fice-Noyes, Fuller said: "This was another step on that journey.
"We’re just going to keep building, keep progressing, keep our noses to the grindstone for the only race that matters at the Paralympics."
The British Rowing Team had a successful weekend, finishing at the top of the medal table with eight gold, one silver, and one bronze.
Rakauskaite will compete for the last time before the Paralympics at the World Cup in Poznan, Poland, held in mid-June alongside her champion Para Rowing Team.
British Rowing is the governing body for the sport and is responsible for the development of rowing in England and the training and selection of rowers to represent Great Britain.
The GB Rowing Team is supported by the National Lottery Sports Fund. To find out more, and to follow the team, head to https://britishrowing.org/
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