OLYMPIC hero Sir Steve Redgrave has backed the 35th Two Cities Boat Race that starts at Salford Quays tomorrow afternoon.

The five-times rowing gold medallist says races like the annual showdown between university crews from Manchester and Salford enhance the chances of Britain continuing to be a major success in the sport.

"University rowing is very important because we need to expand the number of people involved in the sport," said Sir Steve. "Many come across the sport and get into it when they go to university.

"A lot of those students will continue to row afterwards, and some do get to the international stage."

ROUTE: Map of the boat race.

Aspirations

Several crew members have aspirations to be in the British Olympic squads for Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

They include Bury girl Jackie Moore, who is on the World Class Start Programme. The race, which began in 1972, has resurrected a long tradition of rowing in Manchester that began in 1842 with the city's first regatta on the Irwell from Throstle's Nest Weir to Regent Road Bridge.

By 1900 there were five rowing clubs in the area, but by 1939 only Agecroft remained. When the universities got together to emulate their Oxbridge counterparts, it gave the sport a real boost.

This year's event will raise money for the New Children's Hospital Appeal, backed by the M.E.N. It will also include dragon boat racing, single sculls and novice races.

The 500-metre course runs from the Watersports Centre at Salford Quays to the Lowry Bridge. Best views will be at the quayside close to Trafford Wharf Road.

Tweet