New College undergrad, Rahul Marchand, picked for the Men's Lightweight squad in The Boat Race

Teams for the world-famous Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race were announced this week and we are delighted to reveal that New College's Rahul Marchand (Engineering) was chosen for the Men's Lightweight team. Rahul told us more about training for the Boat Race, how he balances rowing with his undergraduate studies, and how students can get involved with rowing at New College.

(Photo of Rahul by Benedict Tufnell for Row 360 Magazine)

Congratulations on making the team for the Men's Lightweight race! How did you find out you were picked and what was your reaction?

Selection is more of a gradual thing so there wasn’t really a specific day that I found out I would be part of the lightweight eight, but it was definitely nice to see the time I spent over the course of the year pay off.

What happens in the lead up to the race?

As we build into the week of the race, we’ll start to decrease the volume of training we do and increase the intensity. We’ll also be staying together as a crew for the week of the race as we focus on making our final preparations.

What are you most looking forward to on race day?

Finally putting all of these months of work to use.

Can students come and support you and the team in London?

Yes, the race is on the Thames in London between Putney bridge and Chiswick bridge, and anyone can watch. My race is at 15:13 on 29 March while the heavyweights race is the day after.

Win or lose, how do you plan on celebrating after the race?

I’m not really thinking about after the race for now. I know we’ll have dinner together as a crew but, whatever else I do, I’ll probably decide on the day.

Tell us more about what it’s been like balancing rowing and your studies at New College.

I study Engineering and have quite a few contact hours, so this hasn’t always been easy. It took a lot of careful scheduling to try to get sessions done around my labs and tutorials. It’s been worth it though and I’ve loved my time at New College so far.

What is your favourite thing about New College?

With all the freshers living in pretty much the same building you get to know lots of friendly people quite quickly which has been great.

What’s next for you – are you competing in the rowing varsity events in Trinity Term?

I haven’t really thought too much about next term yet. As a squad we focus almost completely on the varsity race so I guess once that’s done I’ll think a bit more about Trinity Term.

How can students get involved in rowing at New College?

Getting involved in college rowing through New College Boat Club would be a great way to get involved in the sport. Then in Trinity term the Uni team runs a development squad which is a good way to take your rowing a step further.

Rahul will be competing in the Men's Lightweight race on Friday 29 March at 15:13. You can find the schedule for the other events, including the Women's and Men's races, on The Boat Race website.