May Bumps 2012
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The May Bumps 2012 were a set of rowing races held in Cambridge, UK with crews from the boat clubs of all Cambridge University Colleges and Anglia Ruskin University from Wednesday 13 June 2012 to Saturday 16 June 2012. The event was run as a bumps race and was the 121st set of races in the series of May Bumps which have been held annually in mid-June in this form since 1887. In 2012, 172 crews took part (103 men's crews and 69 women's crews), with nearly 1550 participants in total.
The timing of the lower divisions on the Saturday was disrupted by a protest on the river and its tow-path by animal rights activists objecting to the removal from the area of an infamous swan, the so-called Mr. Asbo, that had been attacking rowers.[1] Three people were arrested for breaching the peace.[2]
Caius men rowed over well clear of Downing men each day to win their blades and retain the headship they won 2011. As they came also first at the Lent Bumps 2012 they hold the double Headship. They also won both bumps events in 2011.[3]
Downing women rowed-over on each day to hold onto the Head of the River title and win their blades. By winning the Mays they also retain the double Headship having won Lent Bumps 2012. This also their second double headship, having won both bumps events in 2011.[4]
Consecutive double Headships, i.e. that the same Men's and Women's crews have won both the Lent and May Bumps for consecutive years, illustrate how dominant these crews have been on the River Cam. Caius men have now won 11 of the 15 May Bumps from 1998 (and 8 of the Lent Bumps), whilst Downing men's and women's 1st VIIIs have been either 1st (head) or second on the river in Lents or Mays for at least the last 2 years (and up to 6 in the case of the Men in Lents).
Highest 2nd VIIIs
Downing II held the position of highest men's 2nd VIII despite being bumped successively by Girton, Homerton and Peterhouse.
Pembroke II remained the highest women's 2nd VIII despite falling to 22nd due to bumps from Murray Edwards and Sidney Sussex.
Pegasus Cup and the Biggest Risers
Homerton won the Pegasus cup for the first time, narrowly beating Murray Edwards in their attempt to hold the title.[5] Homerton boats collectively managing 15 bumps moving up 18 places in total. The Men's 1st VIII entered division 1 and two of the club's five boats won blades.
Darwin III rose an impressive 8 places, triple over-bumping Sidney Sussex IV and bumping Downing IV, who themselves fell 7 places over the 4 days.
Links to races in other years
| Preceding year | Current year | Following year |
|---|---|---|
| May Bumps 2011 | May Bumps 2012 | May Bumps 2013 |
| Lent Bumps 2011 | Lent Bumps 2012 | Lent Bumps 2013 |
