Five-time world champion Mahe Drysdale has been left pondering just what went wrong after he missed out on winning his sixth single sculls world title in France.
For the second year in a row he's had to settle for second, beaten by Ondrej Synek of the Czech Republic by the narrowest of margins.
Unbeaten throughout the season, Drysdale is lamenting losing the one race that counted in 2015.
"I've now done that twice in the past two years. Last year Ondrej beat me tactically and this year he was able to execute a race plan better than me, and that's something I pride myself on and something I have got to work on over the next year and make sure I get it right in Rio," said Drysdale.
Single sculls silver medallist Mahe Drysdale is confident he's on course for Rio Olympic success. Photo: Photosport
Drysdale said he couldn't put his finger exactly on what went wrong, but he would review the race over the couple of weeks.
"You've got to spend the time and get to the root of the problem... the thing is you don't want to do it again and that's something you've got to work on," he said.
"Then when I get back into training I will put into place the things I think I need to change and improve on... it sounds a bit silly being disappointed with a silver medal because it's still a fantastic result but obviously my goal this year was to be on top of the podium, and I didn't quite a achieve that, but I still feel like I've very much on track for Rio."
Drysdale will now have three weeks off trainining and will then head to Rio to look over the rowing course and facilities there.
New Zealand had hoped to qualify boats in all 14 events at the Olympics but has qualified nine boats so far with the opportunity for that to increase at a final qualifying regatta next year.
