Britain win third straight men's eight title at World Rowing Championships

Britain have won the men's eight at the World Rowing Championships for a third straight year after defeating Germany on the line on Lake Aiguebelette, France.

The British crew pipped their season-long rivals Germany by less than two tenths of a second to take the title with the Netherlands team edging New Zealand for the bronze medal in a thrilling finish.

"It was the best row we've ever had," Briton Matthew Gotrel said. "We had a lot of pressure."

The victory saw Britain finish top of the world standings with 15 medals, including five golds, nine silver and one bronze.

New Zealand and Germany ended with nine medals, but the Kiwis got five gold compared to three for the German crews.

In the women's eight Britain were beaten to the bronze medal after finishing a second behind Canada in a race won by USA with New Zealand taking silver.

Olympic champion Katherine Grainger and Vicky Thornley were out of luck in the double scull race after they faded in the final 150m to finish sixth and last.

Sir David Tanner, GB rowing team performance director hailed the team's achievements and is looking forward to further glory in Brazil next summer.

"I am really pleased with our championships performance," Tanner told Britishrowing.org.

"The men's eight winning gold was a great way to finish. With our meals, our 12 Olympic slots and four Paralympic slots we can now look forward to stepping on next year to a top performance in Rio at both Games".