May Bumps 2026: Roundup

Day 1 – Wednesday

Arguably the highlight of the academic year’s rowing began with fabulous conditions albeit with a strong headwind. This year THBC automatically qualified five crews, 3 Open and 2 into the Women’s categories.

As is now customary, M3 led the charge with a highly effective race including a thundering start which saw them catching Selwyn O3 in front. Within the first minute, whistles began and soon the crew were on two blasts as they closed in on their opponents. Frustratingly, Selwyn were also closing in on LMBC O4 and it became a race to see who could bump who first! THBC were within six feet of overlap when Selwyn just managed to bump LMBC leading to all three crews holding up with great skill. As a result, THBC were commended by the Senior Umpire for their hold up and clearing and awarded a technical row over meaning they will now face LMBC O4 on day two. Well done THBC!

M2 followed and again more stop-start racing. After a great first 20 strokes, THBC closed in on Fitzwilliam O2 in front while holding off at CUBC-laden Lucy Cavendish O1 behind before the whole division was brought to a premature stop by a lack of effective clearing in front around First Post corner, A re-row was ordered. Once again THBC held Lucy Cavendish and closed on Fitz in front. As the crews approached Grassy Corner, THBC’s cox took the inside line with a canvas between them and Fitz. Sadly, a stroke side blade clipped the posts on the inside of the corner which upset the crews ‘set’ and rhythm allowing Fitz to escape our grasp and meant a charging Lucy Cavendish O1 could catch M2. The crew were philosophical afterwards and will come back on day two seeking revenge.

W2 next up. As was the case in this year’s Lent Bumps, W2 is comprised of 8 rowers all in their first year of rowing and this is their first May Bumps. The crew did not disappoint. W2 rowed away from Queens W2 behind, increasing the gap so significantly that it pushed them onto Homerton, and Queens were eventually bumped by Clare W2. An impressive row over developed, with the crew rowing so well that they were able to back off and paddle the last 500m or so to save energy for day two. They will aim to bump LMBC W2 who Homerton managed to catch before The Plough. Fingers crossed for a maiden bump for this crew and very well rowed today!

M1 came into this year’s Mays in great spirits and not short of confidence (or speed) after a successful term and a number of very encouraging sparring sessions with crews in the top half of the O1 division including the Headship boat. A super race ensued with THBC finding their speed early chasing Christ’s O1 and they sought to catch Girton O1 before we could get to them. What ensued was almost a carbon copy of the M3 race. THBC were on whistles and closing at a rapid pace when Caius O2 caught Wolfson just in front sending a boat across the river. At the same time Christ’s managed to get overlap with Girton and THBC were a canvas off Christ’s. As a result of the Caius/Wolfson situation in front and the proximity of the approaching crews, including our own M1, racing was halted, claxons sounded and THBC were left in limbo through no fault of their own. Christ’s were generously awarded a bump on Girton while THBC were awarded ANOTHER technical row over (seemed to be the order of the day!). The crew debriefed very positively afterwards and are looking forward to chasing Girton O1 on day two. Fabulous effort M1 – onwards and upwards!

Finally came W1 starting from Station 2 in the top division. THBC arrived full of confidence after a great year so far and a strong Easter term leading into the Mays. Jesus W1 were on Head station with a boat strengthened from the Lents boat by CUBC returners and the same could be said for Caius W1 on station 3, as they lined up with their CUBC representatives in the boat also. THBC had a fantastic start and settled onto a strong rhythm to The Plough holding much of the distance with Jesus W1, while absorbing the many pushes from Caius W1 which continued all the way down the Long Reach. Jesus managed to eek out a little more space but THBC were still in contact and still in the race. Caius continued to work hard along the Long Reach and W1 continued to withstand everything Caius could throw at them eventually pulling away and extending well beyond starting station before the Railway Bridge and on the way to the P&E which meant that eventually our crew could really wind down and paddle from Bottom Finish down to their final destination before the Green Dragon bridge. A very mature race from W1 and one that will give confidence for the coming days as we hope for sunny skies and a bit less wind!

So, as the title suggests, a somewhat stop-start day not only for THBC but for all crews on the river. THBC will take great heart from two technical row overs, two strong row overs and a very close bump that didn’t quite come off but showed the speed that is in that particular boat.

Onto day two!

Row Hall!