Torpids
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At Oxford University, Torpids is one of two bumping races held in the year, the other being Eights. Both men's and women's coxed eights compete in separate divisions for their colleges. Over 130 crews race with around 1200 participants in total. The rowing events take place on the Isis part of the River Thames in the 6th week of Hilary term. Crews can progress up their division by bumping the boat in front. The aim is to become "head of the river" and stay in the lead position. Each years starting place is based on the previous years finishing place.
Oriel College are currently head of the river in Torpids (for men), continuing their dominance over the college rowing event at Oxford University. New College currently hold the title for the women crews.
The name derives from the event's origins with the second boats of the colleges, which were naturally slower than the first boats.
External link
- Oxford University Rowing Clubs (http://www.ourcs.org.uk/)