Oxford-Cambridge boat race: which is your preferred team?

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oxford cambridge boat race

Source: Composite by G_marius based on a Chris Brown’s image.

Millions of people follow the Oxford and Cambridge boat race. This is a short but very intense sport exchange. Which of the two teams do you prefer?

The Cambridge Oxford boat race (also known as the University Boat Race) is the most famous rowing races in the world. Every year, at the end of March or the beginning of April, journalists from all over the world and a multitude of fans and tourists congregate at the River Thames in London to watch the race. The pride of two of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world is at stake. The actual race doesn’t last very long; actually the record set by Cambridge in 1998, is 16min 19sec. But the atmosphere is very impressive in particular in the riverside pubs. This is one of the UK greatest sporting events. Moreover the race between the reserve crews (Goldie for Cambridge vs Isis for Oxford) takes place before the main course contributing to build up a nice atmosphere. Ocasional disruptions, sinkings and even mutinies have just contributed to the legend of this race. 

The Oxford-Cambridge boat race in facts:

  • The course covers a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) stretch of the Thames in West London, from Putney to Mortlake.
  • Cambridge has won the race 81 times and Oxford 79 times.
  • The first race was in 1829 and the event has been held annually since 1856, except during the First and Second World Wars.
  • Members of both teams are traditionally known as blues and each boat as a "Blue Boat", with Cambridge in light blue and Oxford dark blue.
  • In 2009, a record 270,000 people watched the race live while a further 15 million or more watch it on television.
  • In 1898 Cambridge was waterlogged but still finished the race. Oxford sank in 1925, and in 1951, before the race had even started, thanks to a howling gale. In 1912 both boats sank and the race had to be rescheduled for the following day.
  • Most consecutive victories: Cambridge, 13 (1924–36)
  • Oxford has won 11 out of 16 races since 2000

This rowing race adds to the centuries long rivalry between Cambridge and Oxford. But not only students and alumni are concerned. People in the UK and from all over the world choose one of the two teams and cheer for it every year.

 

 

 

Oxford-Cambridge boat race: which is your preferred team? Vote and share your experiences watching the race.



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