Most competitive line up ever expected for BIRC 2009
Five times British Indoor Rowing Championship (BIRC) winner, Graham Benton is aiming to outshine the best from the GB Rowing Squad this weekend (22 November), making for the UK’s fastest indoor rowing race ever. In 2008, former elite cricketer and self confessed ‘gym-rat’ Graham crushed the opposition, rowing 2000m in just 5 minutes 46 seconds a full 15 seconds ahead of the field. This year he’s expected to beat that time once again to gain his sixth consecutive BIRC title.
BIRC 2009 will also feature Britain’s top Olympic rowers making a rare appearance in racing on home soil to challenge Graham to the top spot. Over 100 other competitors will race against some of the GB rowing team and Graham Benton in the men’s open category.
Now in its 19th year, BIRC has already made its name, not only as the UK’s largest mass-participation indoor sporting event but also as the world’s biggest indoor rowing event. This year is no exception, with over 2000 entrants expected to contribute including former world record holder for Javelin throwing, Steve Backley, taking part in the Mens 40-44 heavyweight category.
