James Cracknell and Matthew Pinsent have made light work of the opposition at the opening regatta of the rowing World Cup at Hazewinkel, Belgium, on Friday.

The world champions cruised across the finish line almost four seconds ahead of the Czech Republic with the Dutch pair in third place to qualify for their semi-final on Saturday.

The only surprise was the way in which the Czech pair led Great Britain off the start, but Pinsent and Cracknell were relaxed after their first big race of the season.

"They were leading us until halfway," said Cracknell.

"It was a bit disappointing that no-one else wanted to race so it was nice the Czechs did something.

"It was pretty much a low-key build-up for us - we're going to have to step up from that over the weekend.

"That won't be a problem so long as we can focus during the football!"

Coode injury

In another heat the experienced Germans, Detleff Kirchoff and Ike Landvoigt, recorded the fastest time of the day when they beat the South African pair, who took bronze at last year's world championships in Switzerland.

The British coxless four, rowing with the nucleus of the crew that took the gold medal at last year's world championships, opened their World Cup account with a win in their heat to qualify directly for Sunday's final.

This year has seen Josh West take the place of bowman Ed Coode, who is out with a chronic back injury.

Together with Toby Garbett, Stephen Williams and Rick Dunn they led the race from start to finish, and not even a late challenge from the French could deny them victory.