After removing the lightweight double from the Olympic programme after Paris 2024, it’s expected that domestic lightweight events will also be lost. However, BUCS has maintained the lightweight coxless fours event at their 4s and 8s Head. Surprisingly, the event has also attracted twice as many entries as last year. With last year’s winners, the University of Surrey Boat Club, absent, a new champion will be crowned this weekend.
Queen’s University Belfast Boat Club
Looking to step up from their second-place finish last year is Queen’s University Belfast Boat Club. Queen’s were 40 seconds off the winners in 2024, so they will need to have found some more speed over the past year. So far this season, they have had success in the fours at Lagan Autumn Head, winning the Club one and Senior categories. This is a positive start to the season, and they’ll be hoping to climb up the rankings from last year to take the win.
Nottingham University Boat Club
The other club returning from last year’s entrants is Nottingham University Boat Club. Nottingham placed third at last year’s BUCS Head. They were close behind Queen’s Belfast and, by BUCS regatta, made progress to move ahead and win a bronze medal. At Rutherford Head, Nottingham placed second and fifth in the coxless fours. Returning to the Tyne this weekend, Nottingham will be keen to continue on from their success in this category at BUCS Regatta over the longer course.
Glasgow University Boat Club
Despite not being the most established club, Glasgow University Boat Club has had some strong results over the past year. Highlights include placing 28th at Women’s Eights Head of the River Race and winning a silver medal in the Intermediate four at BUCS regatta. Their lightweight athletes have also raced together previously, placing fifth in the quad at BUCS regatta. Hopefully, they will have more success with sweep.
Durham University Boat Club
Previously on the Tyne, Durham University Boat Club fielded the fastest women’s eight at Tyne New Year’s Head and placed first and second in the coxed four at Tyne Small Boats Head. They’re in a strong position to continue this success this weekend with a home water advantage and Frances Sealy in their lightweight squad, who placed second in the Lightweight Women’s 2km event in the University Indoor and Adaptive Rowing Series.
Newcastle University Boat Club
Another crew competing on home water, Newcastle University Boat Club, will be looking to get one up on their palatinate rivals. At Tyne New Year’s Head, Newcastle’s first eight came second to Durham, but their second eight beat the crew from Durham. This will be a chance for their lightweights to battle it out. Newcastle has had success recently as a club, with their first eight winning British Rowing University Crew of the Year. Newcastle is known to be a strong club and will certainly be one to watch.
Birmingham University Boat Club
The lightweight athletes at Birmingham University Boat Club had a successful season last year. At BUCS Regatta, they placed first, second and fifth in the Intermediate Lightweight single, showing their lightweight squad’s depth. The two medal-winning athletes, Erin Meredith and Emily O’Connor came together the next day to win the Championship Lightweight double. This duo continued their success, winning the Lightweight Doubles at Metropolitan Regatta and a bronze medal at the European Universities Rowing Championship in Zagreb. This previous success sets them up well, and I would look to them to take one of the medal positions.
Predictions
With few lightweight racing opportunities, it’s difficult to guess who will come out on top. The strength and depth of the squad at Newcastle University Boat Club and Durham University Boat Club suggests they could have a solid lightweight boat. I’d also look to Birmingham University Boat Club to win a medal after the success of their lightweights last year.
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