Cambridge University lead Oxford University in the 75th Women's Boat Race on the River Great Ouse in Ely (Image: PA) Group 28 Stay up to date with all the latest news, features and reviews of all things food, drink, and entertainment with our weekly What's On email Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice The River Great Ouse in Ely is an ideal place for a boat trip or a riverside walk. However, last year it served an altogether different function to tourism, hosting the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race 'behind closed doors'. The 166th men's and 75th women's races took place along the river, marking the first time the iconic race took place outside
London since the Second World War. This was due to concerns over social distancing between the usual crowds of more than 250,000 amid the
Coronavirus pandemic. Cambridge won both the men's and women's races, despite some saying they had the home advantage as the river is a regular practice ground for rowers. Ely spectators were unable to cheer on Cambridge, as social distancing guidelines in mass-sporting events were still in place. Read more: Boat Race 2023 - See if you can tell Oxford and Cambridge apart in our Boat Race quiz A representative of Boat Race Company Limited last year said: "The decision to relocate the 2021 event reflects the challenge of planning a high-profile amateur event around continuing Covid-related restrictions as well as uncertainty regarding the safety and navigation of Hammersmith Bridge." The narrower Great Ouse presented moments of drama in both the men's and women's contests. Racing on a shorter river than usual, the women's team won by less than a length, while the Oxford men, billed as favourites, also lost in a narrow contest. In 2022, however, the Boat Race returned to the "Championship Course" on the river Thames in London and took place on Sunday, April 2. Although Cambridge won the women's race, their three-race winning streak in the men's competition was snapped by Oxford. This year's race will once again be on the River Thames and be televised in full on
BBC One. Coverage begins at 3.30pm on Sunday and ends at 5.45pm on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website or via the Boat Race’s official
YouTube channel. Read next: Photos show Cambridge rowers warming up ahead of Boat Race See if you can tell Cambridge and Oxford apart in our Boat Race quiz Cambs resident fears 'future fatality' after lorry sheds concrete load on A10 Cambridge University student found dead after battling loneliness Shortage of accessible Cambridge toilets branded 'woefully inadequate' Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow CambridgeLive
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