Cambridge dominate 2018 Cancer Research UK Boat Race battles on the Tideway

Cambridge University win four out of four against Oxford University in the 2018 Cancer Research UK Boat Race

Cambridge completed a clean sweep at the 2018 Cancer Research UK Boat Race, winning all four races on the Tideway in an impressive Saturday for the university.

Goldie and Blondie won both of the day’s reserve races, as well as dominating the two Blue Boat clashes, winning both the main races for the first time since 2012.

63rd Women’s Boat Race

Cambridge stormed to their second successive victory on the Tideway, defeating Oxford by nine lengths – recording back-to-back wins for the first time this century.

Despite improving on their disastrous start from 2017, Oxford found themselves behind from virtually the first stroke, with the Light Blues opening up more than a length before the Craven Cottage turn.

Approaching Hammersmith, the Cambridge lead looked insurmountable, with cox Sophie Shapter changing stations to the Middlesex side in search of faster water to increase the lead further.

And the lead did keep increasing around the Chiswick Steps, crossing the finish line a full 20 seconds ahead of their Oxford counterparts.

With consecutive victories, Cambridge increase their series lead to 13, leading 43-30 – the last time they won two in a row was 1999.

164th Men’s Boat Race

Cambridge completed the clean sweep of the day’s races, beating Oxford by three lengths in gloomy conditions on the Tideway.

Like the women’s race, Cambridge quickly opened up a clear advantage around the Fulham bend, with umpire John Garrett forced to issue a couple of warnings to the Light Blue boat to stay on their own station.

Under Hammersmith Bridge the gap had opened up to over two lengths, with GB world junior silver medallist Freddie Davidson setting a steady rhythm from the stroke seat.

Crossing the finish line, Cambridge cruised over nearly 10 seconds ahead of the Dark Blues, capping a fantastic day for the university’s boat clubs.

The race marked Steve Trapmore‘s final race as chief coach of Cambridge University BC, with the Sydney 2000 gold medallist set to join the GB Rowing Team coaching set-up.

Trapmore’s third Boat Race win was Cambridge’s 83rd as they now lead the series by three races.

If you’ve been inspired by the 2018 Cancer Research UK Boat Race, click here to find out how to get into rowing.