For Romania's rowers, the first test of the year comes with the selection of crews for international competitions. Athletes are focused on achieving the best possible times at the upcoming training camp in Sabaudia, Italy, hoping to secure places in the country's top boats.

'These days are very busy for us, we are 100% charged. The training camp in Italy is approaching and we will start hitting the water, because the temperatures there are much milder. It does not compare to the weather here. I miss the training camps in Italy a little, although I know it will be hard, difficult training. In addition, the camp will end with a very tough selection that will decide the new teams. It will be interesting, but also difficult. We are prepared. It's a normal process for us and we can hardly wait for the new teams to be formed,' Olympic champion Simona Radis said on Wednesday.

Radis added she aims for the best possible times in Italy to secure more boats: 'We changed the training location to Sabaudia, but we could have gone anywhere. The important thing is to train as well as possible. I don't know how many teams I'll be part of, but I want to do very well in the selection and be happy with myself. At the World and European Championships, if I can double or triple, I will definitely do it.'

Her teammate in the 8+1 boat, Paris Olympics gold medalist Ancuta Bodnar, also feels ready: 'I'm leaving for Italy well prepared. We need kilometers effectively rowed in the boat to achieve our goals. Honestly, I miss it, because rowing is done on the water. In Romania it's not possible now - Snagov Lake is frozen - so we're going to Sabaudia.'

Bodnar acknowledged strong competition from younger rowers: 'The European and World Championships are only three weeks apart this year. We will clearly bet on the World Championship, but must also be competitive at the European. The younger athletes are training with us and matching our times. Competition is good, because it creates champions.'

Rower Florin Horodisteanu also hopes to secure a top boat: 'I'm leaving for the camp with fresh energy. We'll have a selection in the first weeks and I aim to get as high a place as possible.'

On Wednesday, rowers Bianca Ifteni, Isabela Boldea, Daria Dinulescu, Mihai Chiruta, Simona Radis, Laurentiu Danciu, Florin Horodisteanu, Ancuta Bodnar, Roxana Anghel and Amalia Chelaru attended a sponsor event organized by Top Line, where they received facial treatments to protect their skin from cold and wind during training.

'It's the first time I've had this treatment. It's a revival for my skin, damaged from training and the wind. We also have to take care of our skin, even if in Romania it's a taboo subject for men. As for the calluses on our palms, we leave them to fate,' Horodisteanu said.

Romania's national rowing teams will train in Sabaudia, Italy, between February 1 and March 8. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Adrian Tone; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)