Men’s lightweight pairs is one of the most technical and tactical races to watch. I for one am sad that lightweight rowing is disappearing from the international scene and am glad that at least at the university level it still remains and continues to be highly competitive.
Cambridge
It was Cambridge University who won the men’s lightweight Boat Race this year and so have no shortage of fast lightweight athletes to chose from. This I would expect to one of the contending boats for the win.
Oxford
Cambridge’s arch rivals will be wanting to return the favour of the lightweight boat race and take the win here. Oliver Featherstone was in the bow of the lightweight Blue Boat, while an obvious partner in the pair would likely be Aggy Crumpton who was in the two seat.
Newcastle
Newcastle has regularly produced strong lightweight talent. With two crews entered it is very much possible that both could make the A Final. With Newcastle making no secret of their aim to take home the Victor Ludorum a win here would certainly help with that aim.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh are defending champions in this event. With two crews entered I expect them to be aiming for the A final and possibly defending retaining the title. With lightweight talent such as Dale Flockhart being produced by the Edinburgh program it will be interesting to see how fast these pairs are.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is one crew I could see making it into the A final as outsiders. While I don’t see them fighting for the medals certainly there is room for a crew from a club such as this to make it into the A final. Dean Porter and Jakub Zbikowski were in the Aberdeen coxed four which raced at Henley Royal Regatta last year. More recently Jakub Zbikowski won the intermediate singles at Scottish Spring regatta showing speed as we look toward BUCs regatta.
Predictions
I am going to predict a Cambridge win with Edinburgh and Oxford taking the remaining medals. I expect Newcastle and perhaps crews from Glasgow, Queens and Aberdeen to all be aiming for the A Final.
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