It is clear already that 2021 is going to be another Covid impacted year and we now have confirmation that the traditional University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge will be moved from the River Thames to the Great Ouse in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

This year’s race was cancelled due to Covid and next year has been confirmed as moving out of London for only the second time in its history.

The last time was a switch to the same location at Ely in 1944 during the Second World War.

The closure of Hammersmith Bridge amid safety concerns is the official reason for the switch but it will also be easier to maintain a ban on spectators in a smaller location.

The race will be televised on the BBC and shown around the world.

The Irish Universities Boat Race was due to take place on the River Liffey in March but also had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

UCD won the race in 2019. In 2018 it had to be moved upstream to Islandbridge due to heavy ice and snow across Dublin.

Hopefully, 2021 will get to take place with less drama.

 

Sport for Business Partners