Cornwall’s Helen Glover cannot wait to get back on the international stage after being named in the GB Rowing Team for the first major competition of the Rio 2016 Olympic season.

The pride of Penzance will once again partner Heather Stanning in the women’s pair at the European Championships in Brandenburg, Germany from May 6-8.

The Olympic and World Champions completed their title collection at last year’s Europeans in Poznan, Poland, setting a new Championship record in the process.

They will be favourites to retain that crown as they seek to put down a marker ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio, where they are again defending champions.

“It’s always fantastic to be selected to represent Great Britain and never more so than in Olympic year,” said Glover, who was born in Truro.

“The European Championships are our first opportunity to test our early-season speed against international competition.”

Stanning added: “It’s exciting to get back in the boat every year. We have such a great working combination and it’s not like putting old slippers on – they’re not worn out, there’s still lots to come from us.”

The European team announcement is the first major selection of the Olympic season, with rowers keen to impress in Brandenburg as they look to secure their seats for Rio.

Sir David Tanner, GB Rowing Team Performance Director, said: “We are clearly ambitious to do well in Rio and will race and then review the Europeans combinations announced today.”

The full team selection for the European Championships can be found at http://www.britishrowing.org/gb-rowing-team

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