Cambridge chose to do a technical work during their first outing of two today and the day after he made Boat Race history for being the heaviest man ever, Cambridge’s stroke man Thorsten Engelmann was harnessing his power, to set up a long efficient rhythm for his crew mates.

It was a relatively short and light paddle, involving only one high rate burst and taking the Light Blues only as far as Barnes Bridge on the race course before they returned to Putney. In general, Cambridge rowed cleanly and efficiently.

Instructed by head coach Duncan Holland, Cambridge did a number of technical exercises, particularly focusing on the placement and engagement of the upper body during the drive part of the stroke. They did some of their paddling ‘feet out’.

The crew unsurprisingly seemed happier and more comfortable in the calmer water than in the area around the Chiswick Eyot where the waves were strongest. However, their victory in the Men’s Head last weekend despite some of the toughest waters in recent memory would suggest that the boat speed is not too adversely affected by poor waters.

Cambridge were the first crew to hit the water this morning. Oxford followed them, boating at mid day for their outing, which was even shorter than their counterparts’ and also involved technical work.

The crew rowed mostly in fours and sixes rather than all together. This broke up their usual rhythm and occasionally the athletes seemed uncomfortable with out the lead of their dominant stroke man Ante Kusurin. When they paddled full crew at the end of their outing, however, their aggressive and punchy rhythm returned.

Cambridge’s second outing of the day was more up-tempo, featuring a couple of starts and two race pieces against their reserve boat, Goldie.

Both crews are now in their final stages of preparation before Race day on Saturday.