On a June afternoon, a cannon fires and a line of rowing eights sets off up the Cam, one behind the other. On the towpath, cyclists pedal furiously alongside, shouting encouragement. Every crew has the same aim: catch the boat in front before the boat behind catches you.
The May Bumps are college rowing races on the Cam. Because the river is too narrow for crews to race side by side, they start in a line, spaced out along the bank, and chase each other.
What counts as a bump?
The name suggests contact, but the rules also recognise certain overlap situations. Coxes, umpires and crews follow detailed procedures for conceding a bump and clearing the racing line. It is a carefully organised competition, not an invitation to crash boats.
Catch the crew ahead; escape the crew behind. Each day helps write the next day’s race.
The river remembers
A successful bump normally means the two crews swap places for the next day. Starting positions carry over from year to year, so the event tells a continuing story rather than starting fresh each time. The University traces Cambridge bumps racing back to the 1820s.
Sources & further reading
Visitor arrangements and event details can change; check with the relevant institution before visiting.