Redgrave under attack in book

Sir Steve Redgrave, Britain's greatest Olympian, was the target of a bitter attack by one of his former crew-mates today who claimed he had a "soft centre" and the "characteristics of a loser".

A new book on the five-times gold medallist has cast a very different light on his heroic image.

The book, by Martin Cross, who won gold in the coxed fours alongside Redgrave at the Los Angeles Olympics 17 years ago, includes new details of the 39-year-old's relationship with another former crew mate Andy Holmes.

It is certain to cause ripples as the Henley Regatta was due to get under way today.

Holmes also won gold in Los Angeles in 1984 and teamed up with Redgrave for more success four years later in Seoul, when they won the coxless pairs.

But Redgrave dumped Holmes for Matthew Pinsent three months after the 1988 Olympics. The pair haven't spoken since and Holmes quickly disappeared from the rowing scene.

In the book, Holmes claims he often carried Redgrave, and points to perceived failings at Henley and the World Rowing Championships at Nottingham in 1986.