A three-man crew hoping to become the first-ever to take a pedalo around Britain have been forced to abandon their attempt under the GBRow 2013 banner.
The pedalo team – Kieron Sweeney, his brother Shaun and Terrence Peat, all from Whitehaven, Cumbria – had planned to race against the six rowing crews taking part in GBRow 2013.
But the 26-feet-long pedalo failed to meet the strict safety guidelines for the race. All boats taking part in GBRow 2013 are checked by an independent scrutineer to make sure they meet safety standards imposed by the race director.
On Wednesday, Race Director Chris Usborne said: “GB Row 2013 is the world’s toughest rowing race and safety is paramount. Unfortunately, the pedalo’s crew failed to meet the rigorous safety standards required and with just three days to go to the start of they race there wasn’t enough time left to bring the boat up to our safety specifications and Ocean Pedal Challenge has withdrawn from this year’s race.”