The ancient rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge is set to sail again as the two universities clash in the 79th Women’s Boat Race on the Tideway. Can Dark Blues pull off an upset against their dominant rivals?
The 79th Women’s Boat Race is underway, and Cambridge University has a healthy advantage with 48 victories to Oxford’s 30 wins. The Dark Blues last won this race in 2016 and are the bookies underdogs again today. Can they pull off the upset on the Tideway?
Both universities have a long history, with Oxford dating back to the 12th century and Cambridge to the 13th.
Oxford is known for its iconic Bodleian Library, while Cambridge boasts the Wren Library.
The two institutions have produced numerous Nobel laureates and Fields Medal winners.
According to a 2020 survey, Oxford ranks as the top university in the world, followed closely by Cambridge at second place.
Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on research and academic excellence.
The buildup to the 2025 Boat Races has been contentious, with a row over eligibility criteria between the two fierce rivals. Three Cambridge students – two female rowers, one male – were banned from the race because they were studying for postgraduate certificates in education (PGCEs) rather than a degree.
The women’s crews are set to clash on the Tideway, with Cambridge boasting recent dominance. They have won the last seven Boat Races, though last year’s was a dramatic affair with the Dark Blues taking an early lead. Oxford, meanwhile, has been working hard to turn the tide.
The Cambridge University Women's Boat Club, established in 1924, has a rich history of producing talented female rowers.
The club is affiliated with the Cambridge University Amateur Sports Club and competes against Oxford University in the annual Boat Race.
Cambridge women have won several titles, including the Ladies' Boat Race in 1937 and the Women's Henley Royal Regatta in 1975.
In recent years, the team has continued to excel, winning multiple national championships.
The men’s crews will face off in the 170th men’s race, with Cambridge going for a hat-trick of victories. Can Oxford finally break their dominance? The men’s race is set to start at 2:21pm BST.
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Women’s crew: Oxford – Sarah Polson, Lilli Freischem, Tessa Haining, Alexia Lowe, Sarah Marshall, ‘Annie Anezakis’, Kyra Delray, Heidi Long. Cox: Daniel Orton.
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Cambridge women’s team head out on the water as the Oxford crew ready their boat.
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Men’s crew: Oxford – [no information provided]
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Umpire: ‘Matthew Pinsent’
The state of the river is a serious matter, with tests carried out by water campaigners revealing E coli levels three times above the threshold for ‘poor’ bathing water status. Last year, the Oxford team revealed that some of their crew had been ill in the buildup.
- ‘We’ve got the playlist ready before the 2025 event: Toxic, Bad Blood, erm … The Tide Is High?’ – [no information provided]
The Guardian’s style team have put together this nifty attire guide. We’re wearing all of it at the same time, but you can choose one item that makes you feel confident and stylish.
- Wellies ahoy!!
We’re just minutes away from the start of the women’s race! The tension is palpable as the crews prepare to take on the Tideway. Who will come out on top?
The 2025 Boat Race is expected to be a closely contested event, with several teams vying for victory.
Oxford University's boat has been in top form, winning four of the last five races.
Cambridge University's team, however, is not far behind, having secured two wins during this period.
Other contenders include Imperial College London and University of London Boat Club.
Statistics show that Oxford has a slight edge, with an average speed of 4.5 knots compared to Cambridge's 4.3 knots.
- theguardian.com | The Boat Races 2025: Oxford v Cambridge – live
