We began our Boat Race build-up on the morning of 18th September, beginning a regime that will take us all the way to the race itself on the 29th March next year. From Tuesday to Friday we do two training sessions a day: gym work in the morning and then an afternoon outing on the water at Wallingford.
The weekend solely involves outings at Wallingford, before we are allowed the excitement of a Sunday evening in Oxford as our night off.
The squad is younger and slightly less experienced than it has been in recent years, but with a huge amount of strength in depth, raw talent and potential. Quality new arrivals such as Mike Wherley, two-time Olympian and three-time World Champion, can only help the younger rowers as we look towards March.
What’s most notable about this year’s squad is the air of determination that everyone seems to share.
There’s definitely a certain hunger and edginess about us, a feeling that we have something to prove. That’s a feeling shared with the coaching team and support staff, who will be with us every step of the way until the big day.
It’s a real honour to be President of this boat club, especially this year when there is such a great spirit and work ethic in the squad. We’re now building towards our first meeting with Cambridge this year on the 3rd November at the Fours Head of the River race in London.
This will be one of the few opportunities we get to test our relative strength with the Tabs, and it’s important that we put down a marker for the rest of the year.
Also this summer, the new home of Oxford rowing, the £4 million Fleming Boathouse, was officially opened. All Oxford crews will be able to use what is a truly fantastic facility.
Diary of a Captain: Nick Brodie, President of OUBC
