A REVENGE mission is looming large for York City Rowing Club ace Tom Ransley.

The 25-year-old will be part of a Great Britain eight gunning for hosts Germany when the summer season of racing gets underway with the Munich World Cup this weekend.

The University of York graduate was a member of the GB crew beaten into silver medal position by the Germans at last year’s World Championships in New Zealand.

Now he is keen to lay down a marker in their chief rivals’ own backyard as the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games intensifies.

A winter of gruelling training paid off for Ransley when he impressed in the senior trials to retain his place in the eight.

He said: “I’m keen to start the summer season of international racing.

“It is always a long winter of hardcore training and I am often driven by thoughts of defeating our opponents.

“Now it’s finally here – the chance to throw down the gauntlet and prove ourselves against the best in the world.

“In particular, I think the racing in the M8+ will have a real edge to it, since the venue is Munich and our biggest rivals over the last two years have been Germany.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to head to their home ground for a grudge match to kick off this season’s competitions.

“And that is not forgetting the other elite crews who will be seeking the title.”

Selection for the senior squad for 2011 – which initially includes three World Cup meets and then, all being well, the World Championships in August – makes it three consecutive years at the top for Ransley.

He said: “It means three years racing for GB in the blue riband event, and I am very proud.

“I enjoy belonging to a team full of hard-working individuals that are always hungry for improvement.

“We’re generating a strong current of momentum in the group, and everyone is looking to realise great dreams. It’s awesome to be a part of that.”

The two other races in the World Cup series will be held in Hamburg from June 17 to 19 and in Lucerne between July 8 and 10.

The 2011 season ends with the World Championships in Slovenia in August, which is signals the start of the scramble for London 2012 qualification.