Tom’s on trial for Olympics (From York Press)

Olympic hopeful Tom Ransley set for rowing trials

12:20pm Friday 9th March 2012 in Rowing By Stuart Martel, Sports editor

THE countdown to London 2012 cranks up a gear this weekend for York City Rowing Club ace Tom Ransley.

The 26-year-old is among 93 Olympic hopefuls competing in the Great Britain Rowing Team Senior Trials at Eton-Dorney to win their place in the squad for the racing season.

University of York graduate Ransley is bidding to cement his place in the eight for this summer’s Games, having helped the crew to silver medals at the last two World Championships.

If, as expected, Ransley is named in the GB squad on April 4, he will compete at the first World Cup of the season in Belgrade from May 4 to 6.

Ransley stressed the importance of the next few months in the run-up to London, saying: “We really want to hit the international season running and lay down a marker for the Olympics.”

The Olympic regatta will be held from July 28 to August 4.