The University of York’s Boat Club’s strongest and most high-levelled rowers competed in the prestigious “The Fuller’s Head of The River Fours”, placing a respectable 52nd overall.
In the biggest race of its type in the country, the competition took place over the world famous 41/4 mile Championship course from Mortlake to Putney. This was the 58th year of a highly competitive race with each crew having to qualify at a certain level of points to be allowed to compete.
The York crew was therefore facing stiff opposition from both university and independent rowing club crews. The White Rose’s crew consisted of Stuart Hosie, David Lynas, Robert Burleigh and Edward Van De Straaten, along with coxswain Maddi Belsey-Day. The crew had collectively achieved 10 rowing points through winning races in the past, which meant that they could race in the Intermediate Level 1 category.
Conditions proved to be terrible on race day, making the race even more challenging both physically and mentally. Cambridge’s four were victorious in the day’s contest. York’s Robert Burleigh said: “It was the most difficult race I have competed in to date.”
Competing over a course of 7 kilometres, York’s crew trained exceptionally hard for this race with early morning sessions at 6:30am every morning for the last two weeks. They then drove down to London Friday night ready to race at 2:30pm on Saturday.
The crew said they felt very privileged to row on such a famous stretch of the Thames and it was a rewarding experience. They were all in high spirits with the results and the race has provided valuable experience for the future.
This weekend sees York play host to the annual White Rose Head event, a 3 kilometre race along the Ouse. Hosted by UYBC, regional clubs and university teams are invited to compete in both fours and eights categories.
Last years event saw the likes of York St John, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull, Sheffield Hallam, Durham and Roses rivals Lancaster take part.