Varsity & Blues

Road Varsity Match.

In the Modern era, Cycling has been contested since 1954. The First women's Varsity was contested in 1997.
The Road varsity Match is in form of a 25 Mile TT- although in the last 20 years we have also organised the BTTF, then BUSA, then BUCS 25 as part of the same event.

Currently the cycling Varsity Match is held annually in the form of a 25 mile TT as part of the BUCS calendar of events. The three fastest riders from each respective university have their times aggregated, and the 1st team prize and Varsity title awarded accordingly is awarded accordingly. The next three riders form the second team, again with a prize for aggregated time.

As of 2018, Cambridge has won 46/61 of the Men's events and x/21 of the womens events.

Bear in mind in 1954, bunch racing on the road was still banned and riders wore all black to avoid arising suspicion!

Road cycling is a Half Blue sport, with a discretionary Full blue.

For past Varsity match results, go here: Past Road Varsity Results

Mountain biking

Mountain Biking is a rather newer sport- with the first varsity only contested in 199x. The mountain biking Varsity Match is held in the form of a XC (cross-country) race, usually in March. This consists of multiple laps of a short (3-6km) course, usually lasting for approximately an hour and a half. The team prize is awarded based on the times of the top three riders. The Varsity Match is hosted alternately by Oxford and Cambridge, and is decided on the aggregate time of the fastest three riders from each institution

It is a Half Blue sport and gained this status in the 00's.

For Previous Varsity results, click here: Past MTB Varsity Results 

Blues Criteria

Full and half blues can be awarded to men and women in both time trialling and mountain biking. See below for the criteria. In other cycling disciplines (e.g., road racing or cyclo-cross), discretionary full blues can be awarded for outstanding performances at national or international standard.