Redgrave won Olympic gold in Syndey in 2000

Five-times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave has praised the strength of the Great Britain rowing squad ahead of the World Rowing Championships.

The British squad, who are based in Berkshire, will compete at the event in New Zealand next month.

"We are sending a very strong team," Redgrave told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"The last international regatta we had our best results ever and a number of the Beijing athletes who have taken a year out are now returning."

The squad will be officially unveiled next Tuesday.

Redgrave said that next year's World Championships will be even more crucial, as this is where the qualification for London 2012 takes place.

He added: "Next year is about getting the boats qualified for the Olympics. This is a very big stepping stone towards that."

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