June 30, 2005

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England - Cal's freshman eight advanced to the third round of the Temple Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta Thursday with a four-length victory over Durham University. The Golden Bears next meet the varsity eight from Trinity College of Hartford, Conn., in the round of the 16 Friday.

In its opening race Wednesday, Cal easily outdistanced a squad from the University of Warwick, completing the course in 6:51. After a quick start, the Bears slowed their cadence to 30 and then 26 strokes per minute, about 10 less than at full racing speed.

On Thursday, Cal was slightly slower, finishing in 6:53, but the Bears were comfortably ahead at the finish and were not pushed throughout.

The Temple Challenge Cup is a dual competition that started with nearly 60 boats. Competition concludes with the final July 3 and full results can be found at the Henley Royal Regatta website.