WINDSOR, England (AP) — Germany and United States won heats in the blue-riband men's eight on the first day of the Olympic rowing regatta Saturday, leaving a host of top crews to fight in the repechage for places in the final.

Only one crew progresses from each heat. The Germans — unbeaten in three years — finished a half length ahead of Britain in the sunshine at Dorney Lake. Olympic champion Canada came in last in a race fit for the final.

The U.S. beat Australia by a half length to reach Wednesday's final, which should be one of the regatta highlights.

A packed crowd witnessed an Olympic best time in the regatta's first race when Britain's Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won the opening women's pair heat by more than four seconds.