Overview

Founded in 1828, the Cambridge University Boat Club has one objective: to beat Oxford in the Boat Race. This annual affair is one of sharp contrasts. A private match between two of the world's oldest universities, yet followed by millions worldwide; an occasion marked by tribal rivalry but also a deep mutual respect. Quintessentially British, it is contested by amateurs who are nevertheless world-class sportsmen, and watched by 120 million people worldwide. It is all about taking part and yet the pain of losing is unimaginable. Mark de Rond spent a year living the blood, sweat and tears of the 39 students risking all for a chance to race Oxford, seeing in them everything he is not. This intense and deeply personal account reinforces the great traditions of Oxbridge but gives them a human face. For despite their brilliance, these individuals are flawed too. So what does it take to row in the coveted Blue Boat? In this thrilling book De Rond delves into the depths of what it means to be a man and the primeval desire to compete. Told chronologically and driven by the pursuit of the final victory, the result is truly compelling and a sports book like no other.

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9781848310452

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Mark de Rond, described by the Financial Times as Cambridge's secret weapon for the Boat Race, is an Oxford-educated Cambridge don in his thirties. His work has featured in Time, the Economist, The Times, The Week, and on BBC Radio 4. Sir Steve Redgrave CBE is widely considered to be Britain's greatest Olympian, having won a gold medal in rowing at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000, as well as an additional bronze medal in 1988.

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