Postponed Varsity may have rapid-testing pilot

The current lockdown and the threat of a third coronavirus wave have made it impossible for the 137th edition of the Varsity to take place in April, according to the Varsity Committee, which organises the event. The traditional race between four teams representing different university cities (best known as De Oude Vieren, meaning 'the old four') is set to happen in June for the first time since 2016.

The Varsity Committee would also like to pilot a rapid test lane for Varsity visitors at the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal as the government and the event sector are offering the opportunity to carry out this kind of experiment. There is also a chance that the Varsity will happen without an audience. Last year, the event had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.