Follow all the action live as Oxford University and Cambridge University take to the Great Ouse for the 2021 Boat Race.
Due to the pandemic and the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, the race will take place in rural Cambridgeshire with fans not permitted to attend the usually raucous event. The race was called off with only a week’s notice last year, with organisers opting to relocate to the Great Ouse for today’s edition not only for logistical purposes but due to its historical relevance, with an unofficial 1944 wartime race held on the river.
The race will begin at Queen Adelaide Bridge near Ely and will run for 4.89km - significantly shorter than the usual 6.8km route down the Thames - finishing just shy of Sandhill Bridge at Littleport. This year marks the 166th edition of the men’s race with defending champions Cambridge leading 84-80 in the record books, although Oxford are considered slight betting favourites this afternoon. In the 75th women’s race, Cambridge are overwhelming favourites and boast a 44-30 lead. The women’s race will begin at 3.50pm while the men’s race starts an hour later at 4.50pm. Follow all the action live below:
