Close odds for Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

The Oxford crew row towards Hammersmith Bridge as they practice their race during the previews to the University Boat Race on the River Thames

Rowing’s Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is fielding the most accomplished crews ever. The first Boat Race was staged almost 180 years ago, in 1829, and this year’s event will be its 152nd edition. Great Britain’s River Thames will be alive with action when the two university crews line up on Sunday 2 April, starting at 16:35 GMT.

This year crews have a full international flavour with Oxford’s crew including Canadian Olympic medallists Barney Williams and Jake Wetzel. Paul Daniels, 2005 World Champion for the United States and US Olympian Jamie Schroeder will mingle with Frenchman Bastien Ripoll, an Olympic finalist. Great Britain keeps an influence in the form of Colin Smith, Tom Parker and Robin Esjmond-Frey.

Cambridge also has its fair share of international blood. Sitting in stroke seat is 2005 World bronze medallist for Canada, Kip McDaniel. He is joined by a German trio of world and international medallists, Sebastian Schulte, Sebastian Thormann and Thorsten Engelmann. Sole Australasian representative and Cambridge’s president Tom Edwards, from Tasmania, returns to the boat for another year as does American Luke Walton. Olympic gold medallist for Great Britain, PhD student Kieran West adds a local touch along with Tom James.

Cambridge is coached by New Zealander Duncan Holland in his first year as head coach.

The Cambridge crew struggle in the rough conditions as they practice their race during the previews to the University Boat Race on the River Thames

The important job of coxing on this winding and technically tricky course stays in the hands of the British on both sides. Nick Brodie, 19, will steer for Oxford and Peter Rudge, 24, is the coxswain for Cambridge.

The depth of talent is undeniable after Danish Olympic Champion Stephan Moelvig was unable to make the cut for Oxford’s boat.

Weather forecasts at this stage say the River Thames could experience blustery conditions and there are odds on for potential boat sinkages ? not unknown in the past. Currently bookmakers have given Cambridge a slight edge to win buoyed by their crew weighing in just a fraction heavier than Oxford. Oxford averages 92.1kg, while Cambridge tips the scales with an average of 92.4kg. This is a big change for 2005 winners Oxford, who last year weighed in at an average of over 98kg.

For full coverage go to www.theboatrace.org

Related Links
The Boat Race, research and Sebastian Thormann
The Boat Race and the Boat Race (2005)
Controversy follows Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race (2004)
Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race Makes History (2003)

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