Helen Glover and Heather Stanning picked up from where they left off two years ago by striking gold in the women's pair at rowing's second World Cup meet in Aiguebelette, France.
The duo were competing together at an international meet for the first time since picking up Team GB's first victory at London 2012 and won in 7mins 02.91secs from runners-up Megan Kalmoe and Kerry Simmonds, and third-placed Grace Laczak and Caroline Lind, both from the United States.
"It feels fantastic to be back. I knew it was in us, we just had to get out there and do it", said University of Bath graduate Stanning, who returned to the sport in November after serving in the Army.
Glover and Stanning – who learned to row in the city - stamped their trademark domination on the final from the outset. By the 500m mark they had a lead, at halfway that was much bigger and with 500m to go they were five seconds up.
"I think we have an air of confidence and we are a more mature pair after such a hard year for Heather in combat and a year in which in rowing I had to take more of the reins", added Glover, who forged an unbeaten partnership with Polly Swann in her rowing partner's absence.
Former Minerva Bath member Vicky Thornley and Frances Houghton were fifth in the double scull final.
