Winter blues might seem inevitable in the wake of Cambridge’s sporting successes during Michaelmas. As the weather warms and exams start to loom by, following male and female domination in the Varsity Matches at Twickenham and the thrills of Varsity Ski - students are to be forgiven for thinking that the Cambridge year has already reached a peak. However, as a new decade kicks off, Cambridge sport shows no sign of relenting. Rugby fever gives way to rowing as anticipation for the renowned Boat Race grows, while other Varsity matches promise success for the Light Blues.  

At the forefront of every Cantabrigian’s mind is undoubtedly the Boat Race. In the wake of last year’s double win in the women’s and the men’s, high expectations are placed on the shoulders of those competing this year. The odds look strong that the Light Blues (boasting a more successful historical record at 44-30 for the women and 84-80 in the mens) will add another notch to this illustrious record. The race will take place as usual on the River Thames in London, this year on Sunday 29th March, with the women’s race at 3.44pm and the men’s at 4.44pm. If there is ever an acceptable time to wear your Cambridge stash in public, this is it.

To satiate your rowing appetite until then, students can indulge in the Lent Bumps between Tuesday 25th and Saturday 29th February, during which college rivalries will come to a point. The race will take place in north-east Cambridge around Fen Ditton and Chesterton, with popular vantage points including the Plough pub. Maps and more information on how to make the most out of spectating can be found on the CUCBC website. 

As well as the Boat Race, London also plays host to the 120th Varsity Hockey match at Southgate Hockey Club. Expectations weighs on the Cambridge women to prevent Oxford taking their fifth consecutive win, while the men must work to defend last year’s title. The match will take place on the 1st March and tickets will be on sale from February, costing £8 for an adult and £5 for a student concession.

Lent also see’s Netball Varsity on Sunday 3 March, and the Cambridge Cougars, cheerleading taking on Oxford in Manchester on 16th February. Above all, keep an eye out for ticket sales and your sporting friends changing their Facebook profile pictures to exhibit themselves in their Blues gear. With such a packed sporting schedule, Lent term shows every sign of being just as exciting as Michaelmas.