Cambridge retain University Pennant at Women’s Eights Head of the River Race 2026
Against a backdrop of early spring sunshine and near‑perfect Tideway conditions, Cambridge’s women delivered a commanding display at the 2026 Women’s Eights Head of the River Race. With over 320 crews taking to the water, the event once again provided a vital full‑course rehearsal ahead of Boat Race Day.
From the very first strokes at Mortlake to the final pushes into Putney, Cambridge athletes rose to the challenge. The Blue Boat stormed to a sixth‑place finish overall, retaining the University Pennant for a third consecutive year. Blondie followed with one of their strongest WeHORR performances in recent memory, finishing second among university crews and demonstrating the depth of the programme. The Lightweights and the Women’s Third Eight added further strength to the showing.
With The Boat Race fast approaching, WeHORR 2026 served as a statement of intent.
Cambridge Women’s Blue Boat
Result: 6th overall, University Pennant (18:43.4)
| Seat | Name |
| Cox | Matt Moran |
| Stroke | Aidan Wrenn-Walz |
| 7 | Mia Freischem |
| 6 | Camille VanderMeer |
| 5 | Antonia Galland |
| 4 | Carys Earl |
| 3 | Charlotte Ebel |
| 2 | Isobel Campbell |
| Bow | Gemma King |
Race report: Mia Freischem
WeHORR offers the unique opportunity to race down the full championship course one last time before the big day… just the other way around. Encouraged by the lovely conditions and determined to learn as much as possible, we set off bow number 3.
We quickly settled into a strong rhythm that carried us past Barnes Bridge into the quiet of the Surrey bend: the perfect opportunity to practice and fine tune our race plan. Carried by the tail wind towards Hammersmith we reached the final 2.5 kilometers where we had to dig deep to try and keep up with the pace around us. A perfectly steered line by Matt Moran put us in the position to build through the tiers and successfully hold off a formidable Molesey crew behind us.
Overall, an amazing opportunity to prepare for the big day! We made the most of it and retained the University pennant for a 3rd year in a row.
Cambridge Blondie
Result: 11th overall, 2nd University (19:00.4)
| Seat | Name |
| Cox | Lauren Schneiderman |
| Stroke | Eloise Etherington |
| 7 | Imogen Breeze |
| 6 | Mathilda Kitzmann |
| 5 | Alex Wiley |
| 4 | Ellie Sillar |
| 3 | Nicky Wojtania |
| 2 | Lucy Havard |
| Bow | Fizz McNally |
Race report: Alex Wiley
A beautiful halcyon day, and perhaps the sunniest weather London had seen all year, set the scene for this year’s Women’s Head of the River Race. Conditions could not have been more ideal, with a light tailwind spanning the majority of the 6.8 km course from Mortlake to Putney. Over 320 women’s crews lined the Thames as this year’s provisional Blondie crew queued at the start. Starting with bow number 16, Blondie was sandwiched between two formidable crews: Oxford Brookes B (bow 15) ahead and Durham A (bow 17) behind.
The start line was a bustle of activity as the fastest crews began paddling into position before setting off under Chiswick Bridge. Soon enough, Blondie was off. Coxswain Lauren Schneiderman called the crew into a tremendous start that established the speed for a long, pressed-out rhythm as Blondie began applying pressure on Brookes ahead while stepping away from Durham behind.
Just before Barnes Bridge, we had closed the distance to Brookes to under two lengths from the 20-second starting margin. Exiting Barnes Bridge, Blondie capitalised on the dominant rhythm set by stroke seat Eloise Etherington, taking seats on the Brookes crew and gaining contact on their stern as both crews powered past Chiswick Pier.
The intensity rose as Blondie approached the Eyot. At this point the crew had full overlap with Brookes, while the threat from Durham behind had faded as our lead grew too large to measure. Through the Eyot, we were forced to take the outside of the bend, but this posed no problem. Seat by seat, Blondie continued to walk through the Brookes crew, overpowering them despite their inside advantage.
By the approach to Hammersmith Bridge, we had secured open water on Brookes and turned our attention to the next target: Edinburgh A (bow 14). Here we launched an aggressive push, sharpening cadence and technical focus for the remainder of the race from Harrods onwards.
Blondie locked into a new gear through Barn Elms, setting an unmatchable pace as they steadily closed the gap to Edinburgh. Meter by meter the distance shrank as Blondie pressed toward the finish, passing the mile post with Edinburgh now firmly in their sights. Would we have enough to catch yet another crew?
Ripping past the Black Buoy, the crew launched our final push. Closing to within a single length of Edinburgh, Blondie drove for the line, increasing the stroke rate and digging deep for their final reserves of power. It was a shame the course did not provide a few more meters for Blondie to complete the pass, as they crossed the finish line with Edinburgh just ahead.
Finishing 11th overall and second among all university crews—only behind our own first boat—we were immensely pleased with our performance on the Tideway. With one of Blondie’s strongest WeHORR results to date, we look forward to continuing to raise the bar as we prepare for the weeks ahead and set our sights on April 4th.
Blondie extends massive thanks to all the incredible women and girls who shared the river with us this weekend, and to our teammates whose daily support makes performances like this possible.
Cambridge Women’s Lightweights
Result: 34th overall, 12th University (19:40.1)
| Seat | Name |
| Cox | Lydia Acar |
| Stroke | Bella Munro |
| 7 | Hannah Major |
| 6 | Helena Olandi |
| 5 | Jay Manson-Whitton |
| 4 | Zara Bek |
| 3 | Olivia Wright |
| 2 | Hannah Warren |
| Bow | Lauren Allegretti |
Race report: Helena Olandi
The 2026 WeHORR was a moment we had been awaiting since the very first day of trialling. It represented not only a goal we had set for ourselves, but also a true test of the relentless dedication and hard work we poured into our training over the past months. We knew this day would show just how far we would go for one another, how deeply we could push ourselves, and whether we would bring the guts from our season’s racing to face the formidable competition that awaited.
On the morning of the race, the sun bathed the Thames in golden light, casting a warm glow over the anticipation that hung in the air. As we rolled up to the start line, every stroke resonated with excitement and determination. We felt invigorated, energised, and fully prepared to execute our game plan.
“Cambridge, go!” and with that we were off, surging forward, igniting our engines with a powerful start sequence that propelled us into a flying pace. Almost immediately, we gained ground on City of Oxford and Brookes, but they weren’t about to make it easy for us. Clinging fiercely to their line, they challenged our advance, but we were ready. With a collective, committed push, we rounded the Eyot in front of City of Oxford, and taking seat after seat on Brookes, defying the slow water we had found ourselves in.
With the blessing of the shadow of Hammersmith Bridge, we found a new gear. The adrenaline from leaving Brookes behind propelling us forward, carving our path to clear water. Focused and resolute, we maintained our rhythm, undeterred by the wash and waves. Each stroke as we had practiced countless times before, long, direct, and unwavering.
With just a thousand meters left to race, and the cheers from the bank, we drew strength from one another, fueling a final, relentless push toward the finish line, as one, unified force.
We paddled home with fire in our legs and pride in our hearts. This race had not just been a test, but a testament to our spirit and resilience. We are ready for more.
Cambridge Women’s Third Eight (Openweight)
Result: 31st Overall, 11th University (19:38.2)
| Seat | Name |
| Cox | Emelie Eldracher |
| Stroke | Alyssa Nicholls |
| 7 | Kat Finney |
| 6 | Phoebe Pryce |
| 5 | Mia Loxley |
| 4 | AnnaLinda Elvre |
| 3 | Charlotte Rudd |
| 2 | Anna Golbus |
| Bow | Bea Hagues |
Race report: Emelie Eldracher
Triumph for Cambridge D in our final race as an 8+ this season.
The crew entered the regatta with two clear goals: hold rhythm at rate, and build speed through the second-to-last push in the sprint. We delivered on both — beating our seed by 22 places and finishing 11th of 32 University crews.
To succeed in our two aims, the boat knew we had to attack two technical points: one to stay on our inside leg, and one to use our footplate connection to complete the strokes in our sprint. The crew stormed down the course at our intended rate, holding rhythm better than ever before. Our sprint continued to build speed into the finish.
The race came with an unexpected twist. Two crews failed to take their starting positions, leaving us at the head of the division with no one to chase. Rather than losing focus, we turned inward — racing for each other, trusting our preparation, and owning every stroke.
Buoyed by kind notes and messages of support from the whole women’s squad, the crew crossed the line proud. A perfect way to sign off the year.