Oxford University Boat Club announced today that they have decided to re-select their coxswain for the 2006 Blue Boat. Sebastian Pearce has been moved from the Isis crew to the Blue Boat replacing Nick Brodie, who now coxes Isis. The decision was made after a period of extensive assessment over the last six weeks and how each might progress in the run up to the race on 2nd April 2006.
Sean Bowden, Oxford Head Coach " With both coxswains being of a very high standard the Blue Boat selection has always been close run. I have been very impressed with the progress that Seb has made in training. Combining this with his extensive knowledge of the Tideway Seb will really add value to a crew determined not to leave any stone unturned in its search for victory in this year's Boat Race
Boat Race is sponsored by Xchanging and is the second race under their backing. Cambridge lead the series overall since 1829 by 78-72. Oxford won last year's contest. Many recent Boat Races have been packed with excitement including the 2003 Race which Oxford one by just one foot.
Biography: Sebastian (Seb) Pearce
Place/DOB: 10/05/82
Home Town: Bromsgrove
Living: Oxford
College: Pembroke
Nationality: British
Course: MSc Financial Economics
School: King's School, Worcester
Previous Coll/Uni: Imperial College, London
Height: 5ft 6"/1.68m
Weight: 55kg/8st 6lbs
Coxed the GB men's four to gold in the Coupe de la Jeunesse in 2000, and was 5th in the World University Rowing Championships with the men's eight in 2002. Went on to win the men's student four in the Henley Royal Regatta in 2004. Before arriving in Oxford, Seb attended Imperial College in London and has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of rowing he is very active and enjoys other activities such as scuba diving, golf and skiing.