Rowing: Cracknell returns for final World Cup test

The final round of the World Cup, the last major test before the Olympics, begins today, with all of Britain's major medal hopes on parade.

James Cracknell has returned to the coxless four after missing the final of the second round in Munich three weeks ago. Last week he was in the bow seat with Steve Williams at No 2, behind Alex Partridge at three and Matthew Pinsent at stroke. The Canadians, world champions in 2003 and winners in Munich, are also entered, and fours from the US and Australia, two crews from Italy and the rest of the leading European boats are also present.

The eight, with Tom Stallard replacing Robin Born-Taylor in the bow seat, face a challenge from the champions Canada, the Americans and Germany.

Belarus are entered in the women's coxless pairs, the last of the potentially dangerous opponents of Britain's Katherine Grainger and Cath Bishop to show their hand, unless the Australians come up with any surprises. British eyes will also be on the double scull of Elise Laverick and Sarah Winckless and the quadruple scullers, with Frances Houghton back in the boat after missing the last World Cup regatta.

Henley yesterday announced a total entry of 472, including 102 crews from overseas, for the regatta, which runs for five days from 30 June. The British Olympic team is taking part, the only chance to see them on home water. Entries include the German sculler Marcel Hacker, Diamonds winner in 1999, and the Bulgarian sculler Rumyana Neykova, Princess Royal winner in 2002. The Grand Challenge Cup has attracted the British, Dutch and Polish Olympic eights.