Former Maidenhead Rowing Club member Kleshnev wins bronze for Great Britain

Former Maidenhead Rowing Club junior Victor Kleshnev was a bronze medal winner for Great Britain at the World Rowing Cup III in Sabaudia, Italy, this weekend.

Kleshnev, part of Great Britain’s ‘Project Paris’ squad, partnered Rory Harris to third place in the men’s double (M2x), with the Leander RC pair coming through to take a place on the podium in the final 500m.

His efforts were championed by another Maidenhead and Great Britain rower, Jack Beaumont, who said: “I remember Victor as a young junior at Maidenhead Rowing Club. Now a World Rowing Cup medallist!”

Peter Sheppard, British Rowing’s chief coach for u23s and juniors said: “The aim this weekend was to give these young men and women an opportunity to race at a World Cup and on the world stage. They’ve taken the opportunity and extra credit to those that have come back with a medal. Every athlete has learnt a lot from the racing and improved how they race, with many getting personal bests and there are some people here who I am sure we will see in Paris. I’d also like to say a special thanks to all the coaches from the home clubs who have supported their athletes and helped us to make this weekend happen.”

British Rowing director of performance, Brendan Purcell, added: “We are three years out from the next Olympic Games and World Cup 3 has been an opportunity for this new crop to gain senior experience and lay down a marker as we look to build the squad that will compete in Paris. The future looks bright based on today’s finals performances.”

Britain brought home five medals, two silvers and three bronze, from the World Rowing Cup.