Cambridge win women's Boat Race; Oxford help

[Louzie0]

That was quite an event; not so much a race, more a record attempt, once Oxford had mucked up the start.
Fantastic performance from Cambridge and about time!


I feel very sorry for the Oxford rower who lost her oar at the start; it looks as if nobody's talking to her.

Edit the old esprit de canoe has kicked in, and I see they're consoling her.
The captain is giving a dignified interview, too, which takes some guts so soon afterwards.

Still the men's race to go, wonder if it's Cambridge's year?

[Whiney MacWhineface]

It's funny isn't it - or at least mildly interesting for us folk of a certain age. I had/have not the slightest interest in rowing but I'd watch The Boat Race religiously and root for Oxford (dark blue is a much nicer colour darling).

The next week, having even less interest in horse racing, I'd never consider missing the Grand National (except when Foinavon won and my Dad's dreamt precognition came true, and I was down the Villa).

Now, and for many many years I couldn't tell you when I last saw either. But then Grandstand was something of a religion every other week.

[Louzie0]

Well, no, the Double wasn't on, but then that makes it honours even, which is nice.  It was a much better race, as well, seconds between the teams all through.

This time, Oxford got the better start, but it just shows how important the start and the station is, in this sport.

I agree with your comments, Woofles, about sharing memories of these races with certain people of the Grandstand generation. Like you, I remember almost 'having' to watch them years ago.

I really enjoy the build up and commentary to both events, even though I don't see a horse or boat in competition at any point in the year between one April and the next. Looking at the end of that sentence, i'm not sure many people would, but you know what I mean!

The Boat Race and the National have been joined in latter years by the Marathon, which I also enjoy watching, rather like following lots of the Olympic sports when they happen, and becoming an armchair expert on the rules.

I usually watch the marathon on TV; I did give the drinks out on the Isle Of Dogs, one year, though. *



*Careful now.

[cdbearsfan]

Elitist nonsense. I always hope they both sink.

[UK Redsox]

Elitist nonsense. I always hope they both sink.

Same here

If they're going to make this much fuss over the event and have it on TV, then qualifying should be open to all universities.

If they just want it to be Oxford v Cambridge, then it shouldn't be on TV and barely mentioned in the press