Olympic champion Andrew Triggs Hodge stroked the GB Rowing men’s eight to victory on the final day of the Essen International Regatta on Sunday, but then claimed the team has a “lot to do” before the World Cup at Eton Dorney in June.

Molesey Boat Club star Hodge and his Olympic men’s four champion crew-mates Alex Gregory and Peter Reed, rowing in Essen with fellow Molesey member Moe Sbihi, were beaten by Germany in a tight men’s four final on Saturday.

The next day, in strong headwinds, the quartet raced in an eight that also featured Tom Ransley, Daniel Ritchie, Will Satch and cox Phelan Hill, as well as newcomer Matt Gotrel.

The eight were victorious, edging out France and third-placed Poland for a win that provided a boost for GB Rowing performance director David Tanner.

Triggs Hodge said: “It was nice to get the win and perhaps that compensated a little for Saturday. That was all right and gives a good end to the weekend. 

“The conditions here are a big challenge and we have not had much time together as a crew so to win in those circumstances was pleasing. 

“But the bottom line is we  have a lot of work to do. We have to get back to our training base at Caversham and work hard.”

Looking back on the races in Germany, Tanner said: “That’s what we came here for – to get some tight racing across the two days as part of our preparation for the World Cup at Eton Dorney at the end of next month.

“So, it’s already been very useful.

“It’s been really refreshing to come to a regatta like this and to be in different boats and have a challenge. It’s been right for this time in the season.”