The Boat Race 2021 is to be raced at Ely
The Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL) has announced that next year’s world-famous Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge will be held on the Great Ouse at Ely. The event, due to take place on 4 April 2021, will see the 166th Men’s and the 75th Women’s boat races.
Working with local authorities to ensure a safe event for the local community, crews, and coaches, as well as the volunteers and contractors helping to stage the races, the BCRL is attempting to tackle the challenge of planning a high-profile amateur event around continuing Covid-related restrictions, in addition to uncertainty regarding the safety and navigation of Hammersmith Bridge. Following consultations with long-term partners in London, East Cambridge District Council, and the Environment Agency, the decision to relocate the 2021 event has been met with strong local support.
Dr George Gilbert, chair of BRCL’s race and operations committee, said: “Everyone is facing significant challenges right now, especially students up and down the country. Organising sport safely and responsibly is our highest priority and moving The Boat Race to Ely in 2021 enables the event to go ahead in a secure environment. While we are sad not to be able to welcome the usual hundreds of thousands of spectators along the course, we will be inviting our communities and wider audience to get involved via our social media channels, and to enjoy the historic event on the BBC.”
Spectators are encouraged to get involved at home, enjoying the event on the BBC and respecting any restrictions that may be in place at the time. For more information about The Boat Race, visit the official website, or you can follow The Boat Race on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
