Rowing: Money issues cramping style

British rowing's giant oarsmen will have to travel economy class even for long-haul flights unless a new sponsor is found. Many of the GB rowers are over 6ft 6in – Moe Sbihi is 6ft 8in – and team managers believe the cramped leg space is unwelcome but say there is no alternative until a replacement for Siemens is found.

Siemens ended its £6m six-year backing in December and, though talks are continuing with several companies, no deal has been struck as yet.

Rowing is still well-funded but needs sponsorship income to introduce better travel conditions, new technological programmes and improvements to the sport's training base in Caversham.