Unfortunately it will be difficult to discern the true speed of these crews, as the lightweight single category at Met Regatta did not take place and there was no such category at Marlow last weekend. Nevertheless, there are some recognisable names in this field that when coupled with the close racing that lightweight events always produces, means this is one of the must-see categories this weekend.
I would be lying if I denied that there was an element of bias in this section towards Durham’s Callum Prosser, but I truly do believe he is going to be one of the top athletes in this field. Given that the man sits at 6 in the university top boat as a lightweight is testament to his ability, and he is a natural sculler too so that only plays more in his favour. Also, Callum has just been named as Durham University’s sportsman of the year (congratulations), and will be captaining the men’s squad next year, so now he has the opportunity to end the season well and lead his team by example by leaving with a gold medal solely on his on terms.
Cambridge’s Fred Gillard, formerly of St Paul’s, raced in the Lightweight Boat Race earlier this year and will hope to better his rivals by nature in Oxford’s Matthew Hudson and Nicholas Ryan. This will be his first proper time racing at BUCS and I doubt the single is his focus for the entire season, but nevertheless interesting to see what instinctive ability he has come race day.
Elsewhere in the field, there are entries from strong lightweight programmes, notably Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent. The latter’s entry of Harry Richardson does have the advantage over the field of being able to train on the lake day in day out, and will no doubt be familiar with how the conditions can change in terms of wind.
Whatever the result, we can all be certain that lightweight races do not disappoint in terms of spectacle; expect close finishes and times that would challenge some of their heavier counterparts.
OarsomeBows
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