Torpids
From Free net encyclopedia
Torpids is one of two bumping races held at Oxford University yearly, the other being Eights. Over 130 men's and women's crews race for their colleges in 6 men's divisions and 5 women's divisions; almost 1200 participants in total. The racing takes place on the Isis (part of the River Thames) usually in the 7th week of Hilary term from Wednesday to Saturday. Crews attempt to progress up their division by bumping the boat in front without being bumped by the boat behind, with the ultimate aim of becomimg "Head Of The River" i.e. top of the first division. Each day's starting order is based on the previous day's finishing position, the same being true from year to year. A crew that bumps on every day without being bumped itself or that finishes head of the river is awarded 'blades' - the right to get trophy oars painted up in their college colours with the names and weights of the successful crew emblazened on them.
The name 'Torpids' derives from the event's origins as a race for the second boats of the colleges, which were naturally slower than the first boats. Now, as many boats as a college can put out may enter, although the last two divisions have to qualify to race by competing in a timed race a few days beforehand, known as 'rowing on'. Rowers competing in that year's Boat Race or any of the other rowing matches against Cambridge may not compete in Torpids, but may compete in Eights.
2006 results:
Oriel College currently hold the men's headship in Torpids after seeing off a determined challange from a fast Magdalen College crew. This continues their dominance over the college rowing scene for the 32 of the last 34 years
Oriel College also currently hold the women's headship in Torpids after bumping New College on the first day, the first time, certainly in recent history, that a college has held the torpids headship in both events.
The University of Cambridge equivalent of Torpids is the Lent Bumps.