Great Britain's men's eight, featuring Mohamed Sbih and Constantine Louloudis. (Picture: Stephen Pond/PA Wire)

Olympic rowing: 1. Germany, 2. Great Britain, 3. Netherlands, 4. Canada

London-born rowers Constantine Louloudis and Mohamed Sbihi helped Team GB’s men’s eight get their medal hunt off to a promising start in the heats.

Olympic champions Great Britain will have to go through the repechage after finishing second to world champions Germany, but their powerful display will give them real hope of a medal in Wednesday’s final.

The flawless Germans got off to a blistering start in the bright sunshine at Eton Dorney, but Great Britain, led by 20-year-old stroke Louloudis, back in his seat following injury, picked it up in the last 500 meters.

Great Britain join Netherlands and Canada in the repechage, and Louloudis and Sbihi will be delighted with their showing.

Despite not being able to get ahead of the German team, Great Britain’s eight finished a full five seconds faster than the winners of the previous heat, United States.