LONDON — The historic Tideway is buzzing with anticipation as the 171st Men’s and 80th Women’s Boat Races get underway today. Thousands of spectators have lined the banks from Putney to Mortlake to witness one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious amateur sporting events.
With Cambridge looking to extend their dominance after a clean sweep in 2025, Oxford’s “Dark Blues” are under immense pressure to halt the winning streak of the “Light Blues.”
Race Day Schedule (All times BST)
The action on the 4.25-mile (6.8km) Championship Course follows a tight schedule today:
- 14:21 – The 80th Women’s Boat Race
- 14:31 – Women’s Reserve Race (Osiris v Blondie)
- 14:51 – Men’s Reserve Race (Isis v Goldie)
- 15:21 – The 171st Men’s Boat Race
- 15:50 – Trophy Presentations at Mortlake
How to Watch: A New Era for Broadcasting
For the first time in nearly a century, the Boat Race is not on the BBC. In a landmark five-year deal, Channel 4 is now the official broadcast partner.
- TV: Live coverage is currently airing on Channel 4, hosted by legendary presenter Clare Balding.
- Online: Viewers can stream the races live via Channel 4’s streaming service or the official Boat Race YouTube channel.
- Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live continues to provide live commentary for those on the move.
The Key Storylines
- Sibling Rivalry: This year features a unique “Battle of the Sisters.” German siblings Lilly Freischem (Oxford) and Mia Freischem (Cambridge) are competing in opposite boats for the Women’s elite race.
- Olympic Pedigree: Both crews are packed with international talent. Oxford’s Heidi Long (Paris 2024 Bronze medallist) and Cambridge’s Camille VanderMeer (World Champion) are the ones to watch in the women’s category.
- The Cambridge Streak: Cambridge leads the overall standings in both categories (88-81 for Men, 49-30 for Women). Oxford is desperate to avoid a ninth consecutive loss in the Women’s race
