Crossword Genius

Racer represented San Marino, cutting in (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oarsman

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'racer' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'represented san marino cutting in' is the wordplay.
'represented' is an anagram indicator.
'cutting' suggests deleting specific letters.
'san'+'marino'='sanmarino'
'sanmarino' with 'in' taken out is 'sanmaro'.
'sanmaro' with letters rearranged gives 'OARSMAN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oarsman that I've seen before include "One in a row" , "galley slave, say" , "One pulling in boat" , "Member of rowing crew" , "A ransom (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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