Cracknell looking for revenge

British coxless four rower James Cracknell talks to BBC Sport Online about reaching the final and his regrets at not having really turned the style on in the semis.

Britain's coxless four are now just one race away from claiming the top prize and handing the irrepressible Steve Redgrave an unprecedented fifth gold medal.

With a packed crowd cheering enthusiastically on the banks of the Penrith Lakes in Sydney, Pinsent, Cracknell, Redgrave and Foster romped to an easy victory in the semi-finals ahead of Slovenia and the United States.

Team member James Cracknell was relatively happy with the quartet's performance but did have regrets at not showing everybody their true potential.

"We're pleased, and particularly happy because we've got the central lane in the final," Cracknell said.

Capable

"But it was disappointing we couldn't really turn it on and show to ourselves more than anybody what we are really capable of.

"We didn't really push in the second half. But it's very difficult to keep it going when you are so far up."

We didn't really push in the second half. But it's very difficult to keep it going when you are so far up

  James Cracknell

The British boat had surged into an impressive lead, leaving the chasing pack in their wake by more than a length at the halfway stage.

"We were pushing and just did enough, which was okay. We didn't really pile it on in the second half," he admitted.

Rivals

Australia won the other semi-final and will be the main contender fighting with the Brits for gold but Cracknell is particularly keen on defeating the Italians after they thwarted the British quartet at the World Championships in Lucerne in July.

"We really want to beat Italy. It will be good to get one up on them. We owe them one," Cracknell said in determined fashion.

"But there is no room for complacency.

"It's encouraging the Italians led the Australians, but I'm sure they will have sorted their problems out come the final.

"But I see it's between us, Italy and Australia."

Commenting on the warm reception the Britons have received when they row Cracknell recognised that the Australian audiences recognised and appreciated a good performance.

"They like good sport," he said.

Cracknell was also very appreciative of the huge contingent of British supporters that cheered them on from the Penrith Lakes but expressed the need to focus.

Redgrave in relaxed mood

"You have to try and ignore the crowd. But there was an incredible amount of noise, particuarly at the half way stage and at the end," he said.

"We were winding down and you could sense it was a close race because of the roar of the crowd."

Preparation for final

The British rowers will prepare for the final on Friday in easy fashion.

"We'll be taking it quite easy but we will do a couple of 45 minute sessions," Cracknell said.

"Then we will look to sharpen up and prepare mentally."

Despite the pressures of being on the verge of an historic record, Cracknell commented Redgrave was "calm and relaxed".

Cracknell admitted though he had not given a thought on how they may celebrate if they did win the final, but revealed there may be other commitments following the race.

"If we did win it would be hard to celebrate because the first thing I will have to do is find out if I am needed for the next day.

"Matthew (Pinsent) and I may be needed to sub in for other rowers."