What to know ahead of the University Boat Races

The battle between Cambridge & Oxford returns to the River Thames on Saturday.

Organisers say the event will go ahead, despite warnings over levels of E.Coli in the water on the route between Putney and Mortlake.

Cambridge are the current title holders in both the men's and women's teams, lifting the trophies in 2023.

250,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the River Thames to get a glimpse of the action, with millions more watching on television.

Rob Baker, Cambridge Men's Captain said:

"Every year is different, every year is a challenge. It's great to have guys that have won the race and been through the process before, but yes it’s always a big challenge but we are up for it".

History:

The Men's Boat Race was first raced in 1829 and is now one of the world's oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. The Women's Boat Race first took place in 1927.

The world-famous event now spans 185 years of rivalry and The Boat Race has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence.

Cambridge Men's Team:

Cox: Ed Bracey (Wolfson College)
Stroke: Matt Edge (St Catharine's College)
7: Luca Ferraro (King's College)
6: Tom Lynch (Hughes Hall)
5: Kenny Coplan (Hughes Hall)
4: Gus John (Wolfson College)
3: Thomas Marsh (St John's College)
2: Noam Mouelle (Hughes Hall)
Bow: Seb Benzecry (Jesus College)

Cambridge Women's Team:

Cox: Hannah Murphy (Girton College)
Stroke: Megan Lee (Lucy Cavendish College)
7: Iris Powell (Churchill College)
6: Carys Earl (Gonville & Caius College)
5: Carina Graf (Emmanuel College)
4: Jenna Armstrong (Jesus College)
3: Clare Hole (St Catharine's College)
2: Jo Matthews (St John's College)
Bow: Gemma King (St John's College)

Timetable for Saturday:

14:46 - 78th Women's Boat Race
15:01 - Osiris v Blondie Race
15:16 - Isis v Goldie Boat Race
15:46 - 169th Men’s Boat Race
16:15 - Women's winning crew trophy presentation (Mortlake)
16:20 - Men's winning crew trophy presentation (Mortlake)