Rough water expected for Oxford-Cambridge Boat race

This historic race between Oxford University and Cambridge University is in its 154th year and continues to have an international flavour.

Despite being an Olympic year, the two crews still attracted their fair share of top international talent. Coached by New Zealander Duncan Holland, last year’s winners Cambridge have two Australians including returnee Tom Edwards who will take part for the third time. Their chosen stroke, American Shane O’Mara has been substituted out at the last minute due to illness causing an eleventh hour reshuffle. Cambridge will be coxed by Rebecca Dowbiggin who steered her crew to the 2007 victory.

Sitting in the Oxford crew are five Americans including two-time Olympian Mike Wherley. At 36, Wherley is currently making headlines for being the oldest oarsman to race in the Boat Race. Oxford coach Sean Bowden has also secured German international Jan Herzog. Herzog has been to two Olympic Games. Coxswain Nick Brodie is in his third year with the Oxford crew.

If weight of the crew has a bearing on results, Oxford has a slight advantage with their overall weight being over 50kg heavier than Cambridge. But with choppy waters and potential strong winds, punters are guessing that the technically superior crew will hold the edge.

The race attracts over 7 million people in television audience as well as 250,000 expected along the banks of the River Thames. The Thames offers a tricky winding tidal course of 4.25 miles (6.8km) with boats having to maintain a tough 33-34 stroke rate through the body of the race.

The race can be seen on the internet at 17:15 GMT at www.theboatrace.org