Cambridge and Oxford Boat Race crews were tested in their fixture races on Sunday 25 February 2024. Heavy rainfall upstream caused concern, following a meeting of the umpires and coaches the decision was taken to reduce the racing schedule. All crews raced from Putney to Chiswick Steps, just over half the distance of The Championship Course.

Photo OUBC oarsmen clash with Leander

Credit Benedict Tufnell

The Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) women raced Thames Rowing Club. The Light Blues lost by one foot but did well to hang on to the locals under Hammersmith Bridge and around the outside of the long Surrey bend. The red, white and black striped Tideway club is the old stomping ground of CUBC Women’s Head Coach Paddy Ryan, who was delighted to watch the two clubs go at it.

Later, Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC) men were tested against a fearless lineup from Leander Rowing Club. Despite the best efforts of Umpire Matthew Pinsent, the two crews knitted blades after Hammersmith Bridge. Oxford came to a standstill, much to the frustration of OUBC Men’s Head Coach Sean Bowden. Pinsent restarted the race but later disqualified Leander, who was coxed by 2022 winning Oxford Blue Jack Tottem.

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Drag

The fixture series are designed to help Boat Race crews sharpen their racing nous ahead of the Boat Race. This year Oxford and Cambridge Blue Boats will race each other on Saturday 30 March 2024.