Oxford battles the weather to win annual boat race

Oxford won the traditional university boat race yesterday, with the slowest recorded time in 60 years.

Every year, Oxford and Cambridge, the two oldest and most distinguished universities in the UK, compete in The Boat Race, a rowing race on the Thames.

Millions of Brits tune in to watch the race on TV. This race is steeped in history and has been held since 1829 in the last week of March. The course is 4.25 miles.

Oxford – known as the Dark Blues - were favourites in this year’s race at 4/6. Cambridge – the Light Blues - won in 2007, but with a heavier team this year, Oxford looked like a sure win.

Weight is one of the key issues in the boat race. This year’s Cambridge team are on average 12 pounds lighter than their fellow Oxford rowers at the pre-race weigh-in.

Of course, it’s not all about size - skill, talent and experience play a large part in winning. Rowers train on average 6 days a week, rising early in the mornings to get in their training.

The weather was against the rowers, as strong winds and rain beat down on them. However, the show must go on in all weathers and Oxford was able to go on to win.

The boat race is traditionally a betting occasion for many Brits. This year is the 154th race in the eternal competition between the two historical universities.

80% of punters put a bet on Oxford in the run-up to the boat race, despite the fact that Cambridge have won 10 out of the last 15 races. Bookies were giving 100/1 odds for a dead heat – something that has never happened before.