It’s that time of the year again. Small boats are out in force on rivers and lakes around the country, and the days are slowly but surely becoming shorter. With that, comes Pairs Head. The Open Pairs is always a hotly contested event, with previous winners including the likes of Andrew Triggs-Hodge and Greg Searle.
Leander Club
This year, as usual, we have a number of strong entries who will be seeking to claim the win. Among them, the favourites are the Leander crew of Jacob Dawson and Matt Rossiter. Both are athletes who have represented GB in the past ten-or-so years but have recently taken a step back from serious training. Dawson was in the GB men’s eight that achieved a bronze in Tokyo, whilst Rossiter was in the four that placed an agonising fourth. This will certainly be the crew to beat, with the only question mark still standing being their fitness (or possible lack of it).
Vesta RC
Another strong contender is Vesta, who have two entries in the champ category. A club who have recently had some good results at HRR, their tideway steering experience will surely aid their performance in this head race. If they have good fitness, either pair could be in for an outside chance.
Upper Thames RC
Upper Thames are another club who could be on course for a solid row with one pair entered in the championship tier. Last year they made the semi-final of the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley, and beat some notable crews to get there, including London RC’s top boat in the event.
Oxford University Lightweight RC
Others may also have a say in the standings, including Oxford Lightweights, who have three pairs entered, one of which features Olly Featherstone and Aggy Crumpton. These are two of OUL’s best athletes, and have featured in multiple Lightweight Boat Races. This should result in a very synced up pair, who could cause some upsets.
Derby RC
The ‘wildcard’ crew is Derby RC, who have entered the intermediate category. Last year their four were knocked out of the Wyfolds at Henley by a very fast Molesey crew; maybe if the draw had been easier, they could have progressed further into the regatta.
Predicyion
Overall, it should be a relatively easy win for Leander. Having raced at the last Olympics, both athletes have huge amounts of experience to draw upon. However, if their fitness is not where it once was, I predict Upper Thames and then Oxford Lightweights ‘A’ to be next in line for the win.
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