Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Rio

So GB win third gold medal, taking their overall total to five overall, which may be one short of their target of six, but represents an uplifting end to the regatta for their fans.

"Welcome to the club," BBC commentator Garry Herbert says to cox Phelan Hill, after he won gold at the 1992 Olympics and then famously cried on the podium. 

Wonder if we will see the same from Phelan now?

Great Britain's Pete Reed: "I can't put it into words. I am just thinking how grateful to the coach and crew I am.

"We've never been so ready. They're an amazing bunch of guys that was a big, big, race."

Great Britain's men's eight winner Paul Bennett: "That was a really tough race.

"The nerves were going mental but as soon as we finished the feeling is incredible after everything we went through.

"Thank you to everyone who has put up with me."

Image source, AFP

Boom!

Great Britain's team pursuit qualify for the final as they beat Canada, laying down a whopper of a marker as they break the world record with a time of four minutes 12.152 seconds.

Laura Trott, Joanna Rowsell-Shand, Elinor Barker and Katie Archibald are the quarter rewriting history.

Having won gold at London 2012, Team GB are looking to defend their Olympic title against current world champions USA, who previously broke the world record with a time of four minutes 12:282 seconds in their heat.

The final will take place later on Saturday at 20:53 BST. 

Great Britain's Matthew Langridge who adds gold to the silver and bronze won in previous Olympics: "It still hasn't quite sunk in. It was a long time coming, a bit surreal. 

"I can't wait until the national anthem. It has always been about being Olympic champion.

"I couldn't have done it with a better group of guys. It is a great feeling."

You heard their voices on BBC TV, now you can watch James Cracknell and Garry Herbert as they commentated on the men's eight final, external on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Intense.

Image source, Getty Images

British rowing coach Jurgen Grobler: "It is wonderful for British rowing. I feel so good for the guys. There's a good mix of guys between the younger and older ones. 

"We tried to develop winning athletes and so far the time has been there. We knew we had a good bunch of guys.

"There are no secrets. Hard, hard, work, having vision of what is coming up and running a good training programme and they're still having fun."

The winning margin was a chunky 1.33 seconds in the end.

A superb authoritative performance which brings Great Britain's final medal count from the rowing to three golds and two silvers. That total of five is one less then Team GB brought home at the London 2012 regatta.

Cox Phelan Hill walks the plank in celebration.

James Cracknell
Double Olympic Rowing gold medallist

Crucially GB didn't storm out at the start.

They delivered what they knew they could do and still have enough to do a quick third and fourth quarter.

They didn't overcook it and that is why they could hold on.

Emily Diamond finished fourth for Great Britain in her 400m heat but is in a good position to make it through to the next round as a fastest loser.

"I've had a rubbish 48 hours. I was in bed all day yesterday with food poisoning. I'm grateful to the GB doctors for getting me able to race.

"I was just crying as to why is this happening now - a day before I was supposed to race. I couldn't believe it. I was devastated and glad I could make it on to the track. 

"There was no way I was not getting on that start line, even if I had to walk around."

James Cracknell
Double Olympic Rowing gold medallist

That was brilliant.

GB delivered exactly what they have trained for. They were not fazed, they dug deep and stuck to the plan. 

I am so chuffed for them. What a race.

James Cracknell
Double Olympic Rowing gold medallist

This is brilliant. They have raced their won race plan.

I am delighted, this is what they deserve.

Great Britain have maintained that two-and-a-half second lead over the rest.

Now, they just have to cling on and wring every last inch out of each stroke.

Will Satch calls for more from his crew-mates. Turn the screw, dig the grave.

It pays off. Britain hit halfway 2.45 seconds before the Germans. 

Their's to lose.

James Cracknell
Double Olympic Rowing gold medallist

GB have got a good rhythm going.

They are just starting to inch away. This is the way to do it.

Great Britain have attacked from the gun.

They are already a couple of men up on the German boat as they try to wear down the Teutonic morale.

They are up by 0.64 seconds at 500m.

Great Britain's Jess Eddie: "We have worked so hard to get here but it is not just for us it is for everyone who has rowed in the women’s eight in the last 20 years.

"They have tried to do this and we have done this for them."