Whilst power changes hands in the US, Over on the Tideway UCLBC crews are transferring their power to the water in record numbers. A grand total of 120 UCL rowers from UCLBC, RUMSBC and ULBC will take on the famous Quintin Head Race course, which starts at Hammersmith Bridge and finishes just west of Chiswick Bridge.

As the first race of 2017, the club is looking forward to measuring our progress and giving ourselves our first taste of tideway head racing this season, in preparation for Head of the River.

Take a look at messages from our squad captains below:

Despite injury and illness affecting the squad this term, we are excited to be fielding a strong VIII+ at Quintin. This should be an excellent test to see where we stand after some strong results at last term’s races, and I’m anticipating some solid rowing and a result we can be proud of amongst the challenging competition.

Holly Exton-Smith, Senior Women’s Captain

Crews: One

 

With three mighty eights being sent out, the Novice girls are ready to attack Quintin head with the power and energy of an army. This being their third head race so far (Cambridge, Rutherford), they’ve had the experience, they know what to expect, and now they’re in their home city. Balancing uni and rowing is always tough, but despite this they’ve been pushing themselves in all of the training and getting out on the water as much as possible, so I’m excited to see how they approach their first race of 2017, I expect big things and, as ever, I know each crew will do me proud.

Hattie Leigh, Novice Women’s Captain

Crews: Three

 

UCLBC Senior Men are hitting Quintin hard, putting out our first set boats of the season. Finally moving away from matched VIII+’s in races we can really see where we stand against some of our biggest rivals. In previous years (especially 2016) Quintin Head has been one of our most challenging races, but this year we’re aiming higher, hoping to place in the top 30 boat with the men’s 1st VIII. However, the men’s 2nd VIII will be looking to chase the 1sts and place as close to them as possible. Some big chat around the boathouse includes claims that they may even be looking to beat the 1sts. Strong words from a strong boats. Yeah UCL!

Jake Figi, Senior Men’s Captain

Crews: Two

 

Boy, have the Novice Men been waiting for this moment. Months of committed hours on the tideway and the boys are ready for their maiden race on this famous stretch of water. The Club has not seen this level of member retention and commitment of athletes in years, and I know full well that every rower involved in this race will hit the water flying, proving once again that UCL is one of the #1 Universities to take up rowing.

Patrick Pflughaupt, Novice Men’s Captain

Crews: Three