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Kiwi Olympic champions Hamish Bond, Mahe Drysdale eyeing more rowing success

April 4, 2019

The pair have been named in New Zealand’s sweep squad for the World Rowing Cup and Championship.

Kiwi Olympic single sculls champion Mahe Drysdale is set to row in the New Zealand men’s eight along with fellow two-time Olympic champion Hamish Bond.

The duo were named Thursday in a 14-man sweep squad, which will fill the men's eight and four for this year's World Cups.

They both have two months to earn themselves a seat in the boat.

"He's transitioning from sculling and I'm transitioning from cycling, so we're just paddling along in the old man's boat, both getting ourselves slowly back up to speed," said Bond.

With a month a go, Drysdale was looking to spend this international season in the single scull, but that changed with Bond's return.

"I'm not going to lie, I did pitch that this was a good option for him [Drysdale]," Bond said.

Drysdale said he is excited at the prospect rowing alongside Bond.

"Seeing the excitement since Bondy has come back, I think there's been a lot of change of attitude and we've got a completely fresh start," said Drysdale.

The pair need to qualify the boat for the Tokyo Olympics with a top five finish at this year's World Championships.

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