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Robbie Manson has beaten Mahe Drysdale by more than a boat length at Lake Karapiro as the rowers continue to duke it out to be New Zealand’s single sculls representative.
“I feel like I’m in really good form and I’ve still got more to give,” said Manson
“I enjoyed the race and had another couple of gears to go up at the end if needed. I’m also really pleased with how my technique’s working and that’s helping me to move the boat really well.”
The race was part of Rowing New Zealand’s single scull trials, which help to determine who will wear the fern and represent New Zealand at international meets in 2019.
It was the second time the pair have raced this year, with Manson also beating the two-time Olympic gold medallist at Rowing Nationals in February.
29-year-old Manson says the constant high pressure battles with Drysdale are helping to build his mental fortitude.
“These sort of races are good practice for those World Champs and Olympic scenarios, there’s a lot on the line so I was pleased to go out there and do it today.”
Manson set a world record time in 2017 but finished outside the medals at the 2018 Rowing World Championships.
He’s determined that won’t be the case in 2019.
“Last year my build-up to World Champs wasn’t the best, my technique wasn’t quite on so it’s just learning from that.
“What I’ve been doing this summer is working really well and my technique is much better than last year which is exciting.”
Rowing New Zealand will formally announce its single sculls representatives on March 7th.