Rio Olympics 2016: Andrew Triggs Hodge and Paul Bennett safely through to men's eight final

Andrew Triggs Hodge remains on course for a third Olympic gold medal after Great Britain's men's eight qualified fastest for Saturday's final in Rio.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Aug 2016, 15:30 BST
Updated 8th Aug 2016, 16:34 BST

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Andrew Triggs Hodge, second left, is aiming for a third Olympic gold medal (Photo: PA)Andrew Triggs Hodge, second left, is aiming for a third Olympic gold medal (Photo: PA)
Andrew Triggs Hodge, second left, is aiming for a third Olympic gold medal (Photo: PA)

The Team GB boat battled through the windy conditions to win heat one in 5.34.23 and finish two seconds clear of the field.

Leeds' Paul Bennett and former University of York student Tom Ransley also form part of the men's eight squad that is looking to upgrade the bronze claimed four years ago.

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Triggs Hodge won golds in the men's coxless four at the last two Olympics and would join the greats of British rowing if he recorded a third success.

He has unfinished business in the men's eight event after missing out on a medal on his Olympic debut in Athens in 2004.

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Meanwhile, Richmond's Zoe Lee guided the women's coxed eight through to the final as second fastest qualifiers.

The British boat, which is aiming for a first medal in the event, finished two and a half seconds clear of medal rivals New Zealand in a time of 6.09.52 to win heat two.

Great Britain's women's eight are aiming for a first Olympic medal in the event (Photo: PA)Great Britain's women's eight are aiming for a first Olympic medal in the event (Photo: PA)
Great Britain's women's eight are aiming for a first Olympic medal in the event (Photo: PA)
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The dominant United States boat are firm favourites to claim gold and won heat one in 6.06.34, three seconds faster than the British boat.

The American squad have not been beaten since winning gold in 2012.

Both the men's and women's finals will take place on Saturday from 3pm (BST).

High winds have caused severe problems to the rowers in qualifying at the Lagoa rowing complex and two boats have capsized.

Great Britain's women's eight are aiming for a first Olympic medal in the event (Photo: PA)Great Britain's women's eight are aiming for a first Olympic medal in the event (Photo: PA)
Great Britain's women's eight are aiming for a first Olympic medal in the event (Photo: PA)
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Inclement weather forced the action to be suspended on Sunday, leaving the Yorkshire contingent having to wait until Monday to make their mark on the Games.

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Related topics:Great BritainLeeds