MATTHEW Langridge, a two-time World Championships gold medallist, will have an opportunity to win a third in Amsterdam next month.

The 31-year-old, victor as part of the Great Britain men’s four in 2009 and again in 2011, has been selected in a pair this time around.

James Foad, from Molesley Boat Club, is his crewmate.

They won a silver medal during last week’s World Cup regatta in Lucerne, when they raced together as a duo for the first time in an international event.

“It was good start, but we’ve work to do,” said Langridge.

“But it’s been a boost to our confidence to be in the mix so quickly.

“We thought second place was achievable, more because we back ourselves as good athletes rather than because things had clicked straight away as a combination.

“Our challenge now is to go away and work as hard as we possibly can to make the boat go faster.”

Langridge, who learned to row at Northwich Rowing Club, won a bronze medal in a pair with Colin Smith at his first senior world championships in Munich seven years ago.

He said: “It’s one I remember fondly because it was my first. I’ve got a bronze, so the target now is obviously to improve on that.”

Reigning Olympic and world champions New Zealand, with Eric Murray and Hamish Bond in the boat, are the tandem to catch.

They are unbeaten as a combination in the past five seasons, and cruised to victory in the final at Lucerne.

“They are the outstanding crew in the world across the entire sport, not just this boat class,” added Langridge, now back to full fitness after a back injury delayed him joining the British squad until the season’s second World Cup regatta.

“Nobody has really pushed them for a few years, which in itself is an incentive for us.”

The British squad has so far delivered 31 medals at World Cup and European level this season, including a dozen golds.

A total of 66 rowers, including spares, make up 19 crews for the trip to Holland.

The World Championships start on Sunday, August 24.

Matthew Langridge at the World Rowing Championships

  • 2013 Men’s double Eighth
  • 2011 Men’s four Gold
  • 2010 Men’s four Fourth
  • 2009 Men’s four Gold
  • 2007 Men’s pair Bronze
  • 2006 Men’s eight Fifth
  • 2005 Men’s quad Seventh
  • 2003 Men’s quad Ninth