New Zealand Rowing has confirmed it will send two single scullers to the World Cup meetings in Europe later this year.
Mahe Drysdale in the men's single sculls at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Photo: PhotoSport
Both double Olympic gold-medallist Mahe Drysdale and the world's fastest rower, Robbie Manson, will compete in Austria in June before a July showdown in Lucerne.
The best performer in Switzerland will then go on to represent New Zealand at September's World Championships in Bulgaria.
New Zealand Rowing director Alan Cotter revealed the athletes were informed last month so they could be at their best for the international regattas.
"The scullers know what's going on and what they need to achieve," Cotter said.
"It gives them plenty of time to make sure they're on top of their game."
Rower Robbie Manson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 39-year-old Drysdale has been well off the pace since returning from his sabbatical last year, losing his most recent encounter with Manson - at last month's North Island Championships - by over 13 seconds.
Cotter remained confident Drysdale was slowly getting back to his best.
"That's what's going to happen over a period of time," Cotter said.
"He only got back in the boat in August.
"It takes time to get back to your peak again, and that's where he's progressing steadily - Mahe has won three Olympic medals, is wise and knows what he can do."
The rowers will also face off at the nationals on Waikato's Lake Karapiro next week but Cotter won't be reading too much into the results.
He said he was thinking longer-term, towards the World Champs.
-AAP
