Ones to watch: 2005 - Rowing
Hilary term in Oxford is arguably the most exciting sporting term of the year for the boaties amongst us.
For the University crews, preparations for the men's and women's boat races aresteadily progressing to the days that each crew meets their Cambridge rivals.
Preparations have been going very well for the women, with excellent results coming from the Pairs Head on 19th October and Fours Head on the 6th November. In the latter, the top Oxford four overcame several elite crews to finish the day as the fastest womens coxed boat on the river.
Building on this success, OUWBC will be aiming to continue their long run of successive wins against Cambridge, after their whitewash last year.
They will be able to draw on the experience of several athletes who gained international honours last year, and on a contingent of returning Blues, including stroke Hilary Powell.
The men's squad are back in force after last year's disappointment. With four rowers from Athens, four senior internationals, and five returning Blues in the squad, competition for seats in the boat will be tough.
The basis of the boat will be in place following this month's training camp in Spain, with the selected crew going on to gain racing experience together against elite clubs such as Molesey and Leander.
For those wanting first hand information on the build-up to this year's Boat Race on the 27th March, and on the intensely close victory of the GB coxless four in Athens, there will be a talk by Matthew Pinsent and Barney Williams, on Wednesday 26th January. See page 33 for details
The main challenge for college crews this term will come in the form of Torpids, the first set of annual bumps races, to be held in 6th week.
Oriel, starting Head of the River, look set to continue their dominance after a good performance at December's Wallingford Head, but are likely to be pushed by a consistently-strong Exeter.
Magdalen, boosted by their novices who took victory in the Christ Church regatta last term, will be hoping to repeat their Summer Eights achievement in climbing from 4th.
Lower down in Division 1, Pembroke expect to continue their recovery from 2003's disastrous rudder failure that caused them to plummet an entire division.
On the women's side, New College have lost a large number of rowers to the blues boats, but will be hoping to challenge Merton to gain the double headship of Torpids and Eights.
Oriel, who have proved extremely strong in recent years, are also likely to prove a threat, as will Christ Church with a strong novice intake.
20th Jan 2005