WOMEN’S TRIAL VIIIs RACES POSTPONED

The Boat Race Company Ltd. (BRCL) along with Oxford University Women’s Boat Club (OUWBC) and Cambridge University Boat Club’s Women’s squad (CUBC) have together taken the decision to postpone this year’s Trial VIIIs races that were due to take place on Sunday 19 December and Monday 20 December.

After a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in both Clubs, the decision has been made to postpone the races to a later date in January. The affected athletes have started self-isolation as per Government guidelines. Subsequent internal contact tracing identified a number of close contacts and they are also self-isolating.
The Oxford University Women’s Boat Club (OUWBC) was due to race on Sunday 19 December at 11:45 and the Cambridge University Boat Club’s Women’s squad was scheduled to race on Monday 20 December at 12:20. Revised dates will be issued as appropriate.

The Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL) Chair, Tim Senior, said

‘’This has not been an easy decision and while it is disappointing that the races have been postponed, the safety and welfare of the athletes, staff and supporters of the event is of paramount importance to us. Our best wishes are with the athletes who have been affected.’’

The Trial VIIIs are preparation races in The Gemini Boat Race season providing rowers and coxes with learning experience as well as a selection test held over the full 4 1/4 mile Championship Course from Putney to Mortlake in London. These races give the coaches the opportunity to see how their athletes fare under the unique side by side racing and the unpredictable conditions on the Tideway.

The Oxford University Men’s Boat Club (OUBC) and Cambridge University Boat Club’s Men’s squad (CUBC) are currently scheduled to proceed with their races on 19th and 20th December respectively. And as planned. The updated timetable is as follows:

Sunday 19th December 
Oxford University Men’s Boat Club (OUBC) Trial VIII’s at 13:00

Monday 20th December 
Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) - Men’s Trial VIII’s at 13:35

The Clubs continue to follow all respective national health guidance and the squads and staff continue to test regularly and take all appropriate precautions ahead of the scheduled men’s Trial VIIIs races in London..