Britain's rowing gold medallist Steve Redgrave is trying to rid the sport of its "boring" image and obtain financial backing for a new competition.

Redgrave, whose victory in the coxless fours made it five gold medals in consecutive Olympics, wants to set up a Formula-One style circuit.

"The success of the concept depends on the right funding. We need lots of backing from the business world," he told the Financial Times.

His plan is for 60-second races that feature the world's best oarsmen battling over just 380 metres in at least 10 international venues.

Redgrave, 38, owns the rights to Super Sprint Rowing plc, the company that will oversee the new competition which will be tested at Windsor on October 14.

He added: "Many race meetings start at 8am and rowing clubs are seen as boring places. Super Sprint's aim is to make rowing accessible and entertaining."