A record 629 crews will take part in the Henley Royal Regatta as Olympic champions and Rio bound athletes compete.

New Zealander Mahe Drysdale, who won gold in the single sculls at London 2012, is the standout entrant as he looks to secure a record equalling sixth win in the diamond challenge sculls.

The World Cup winning Dutch eight will also be in attendance, while world junior champion Jess Lyden takes her place in Great Britain’s lightweight women’s quad.

Jack Beaumont and Nick Middleton provide more interest for the home nations, and the regatta’s committee of management chairman, Sir Steve Redgrave is pleased with the turnout.

“I am delighted not only with the number of entries but also with the incredibly high standard of crews at every level,” said the five-time Olympic gold medallist.

“The record entry level reflects the prestigious appeal Henley Royal Regatta holds for rowers at school, club, college, university and international levels.”

While he is clearly looking forward to the whole regatta, which takes starts on Wednesday, June 29, Redgrave is particularly eager to watch Middleton and Beaumont take part.

He said: “Personally I am looking forward to seeing the men’s double sculls having seen the GB boys come through the ranks and Jack recently made two World Cup finals.

“There is a strong chance they will meet the Belgium lightweight double which will make for an outstanding race.”

The impressive line-up is strengthened further by the presence of the entire German under-23 squad who will face Britain in the Remenham Challenge Cup.

The school races will see Westminster hope to avenge their 2015 defeat to St Paul’s who beat them in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to deny them a triple crown last year.

Claire’s Court School, who are looking to complete their own triple crown, will hope to add the Fawley Challenge Cup to wins in the School’s Head and National School’s competitions.

The regatta will once again be watched by the hundreds of thousands of spectators who line the banks of the famous one mile 550 yard long course, and will also be streamed live on YouTube.