TWENTY SEVEN juniors race in the European Coupe de la Jeunesse in Amsterdam this weekend as part of a development programme that is intended to produce the body of the next Olympic rowing squad.

The juniors include five survivors Mark Wilson, Frank Sheridan, Conor Kells, Paul Hickey and Sheila Clavin from last year's Coupe team which won the men's coxless fours, a silver and two bronze.

Offaly's Clavin and the Skibbereen partnership of Lupton and Coakley are included after, their junior and senior championship title doubles. Also racing is the Shandon four that is expected to compete in the Junior World Championships next week in Strathclyde.

According to the women's convener, Michael O'Callaghan, the Coupe will build international experience among the squad, some members of which he expects will bridge the gap between junior and senior rowing next year at the Under 23 World Championships/ Nations Cup.