A successful training camp was held to mark the start of the Lent Term. A hard week’s training welcomed the group back from the Christmas break, and has set the standard for the run up to the Boat Races. The first half of the camp was spent in Ely, with the squad moving to Dorney Lake for the second half of the week.
The camp concluded with a practice race on the Lake, for which we experienced near perfect conditions, allowing the maximum amount of information to be taken from the piece.
Photograph by James Appleton
Report by Hannah Bill
“Waking up on the first of January is a leisurely affair for most. A good lie-in, followed by a lazy morning (no doubt aided by paracetamol and coffee) to ensure that the outside world doesn’t upset the newfound calm and inner peace that you have recently resolved to cultivate within…
Not so, however, for the girls of the Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club. Some were rudely awoken by their alarms, dashing bleary eyed to the airport to catch the plane to Stansted. Others were to be found manically running round the house trying to find that elusive bit of lycra, regretting leaving packing until the last minute. For the New Year saw the squad at training camp, in Ely and at Dorney Lake.
Traditionally an important event in the Cambridge women’s campaign against Oxford, the camp is a chance to have a week of intensive training on the water, accompanied by daily talks from their coaches, away from the pressures and time constraints of full term. Ely, the location for the first half of the camp, did itself proud as the squad enjoyed excellent weather conditions throughout the week. This meant that they could get into the training programme of long muscular endurance sessions and shorter technical sessions uninhibited. Off the water, highlights included well deserved dinners at various eateries about Cambridge and some banterous after-dinner board gaming. Special mention should go to Chris and Debbie at The Cambridge Blue who not only provided dinner, but also put up with 24 excitable girls participating in a hotly contested table quiz. The ‘Ely or Cambridge’ photo round will remain a classic for years to come.
At Dorney Lake, Eton, the Cambridge women were able to take advantage of the world class rowing facilities for the second part of the camp. The week’s work culminated in an exciting side-by-side race between all three crews. The competitive streaks previously revealed during endless rounds of ‘Articulate’ also came out in force on the water. The determination and commitment displayed by all in the squad, can only bode well for The Henley Boat Races on April first.”