Hodge delighted to see men’s fours semi-final plan executed perfectly

The Australian four had a three-second edge on the British crew of Hebden’s Andrew Triggs Hodge, Pete Reed, Tom James and Alex Gregory in Monday’s heat.

But lining up against each other at blustery Eton Dorney yesterday, the British crew signalled their intent by edging the semi-final by three quarters of a second.

Defending Olympic champion Hodge said: “What was most satisfying was executing a nice semi-final, having a really nice rhythm.”

The British lightweight men’s four won a silver medal in a thrilling sprint for the line yesterday, but their achievement in blustery conditions immediately sparked controversy at Eton Dorney.

Brothers Richard and Peter Chambers, Rob Williams and Chris Bartley were frustrated that world governing body FISA did not take the cross-wind into account and alter the racing lane order.

As a semi-final winner, Britain raced in lane three but the direction of the wind meant lanes five and six had the better conditions.

Williams admitted after the race that the “gnarly” conditions over the opening 1,000m, before the grandstands, affected their performance.

Peter Chambers said FISA should be “ashamed” of not acting, while former Olympic champion Martin Cross accused the body of being “disrespectful” to the athletes.

“We are gutted. We’re lucky to get silver right there in those conditions, with the way the wind was,” said Peter Chambers.

“FISA should be ashamed that they didn’t change that (lane order) in the finals. I think they should have done. I was quite annoyed. The result could have been different, I don’t know.

“But you have to take that with the sport. Next time it could be us in a better position and we will be delighted when it is us. I don’t want to take anything away from the South Africans’ victory. They are incredible sprinters.”