THE
Boat Race 2018 is about to begin in
London with
Oxford and
Cambridge going head-to-head in the historic
River Thames showdown.
The women's Boat Race, which precedes the men's, has already been won by Cambridge, who celebrated an easy win over Oxford.
Cambridge are also favourites for the men's race, which gets under way at 5.32pm.
Cambridge also currently lead the men's event overall with 82 wins against Oxford's 80, while in the women's race Cambridge dominate with 43 wins to Oxford's 30.
In the 163rd men’s race, Cambridge will wear light blue and Oxford will wear dark blue.
6.00pm - Well that's that, then. Cambridge look delighted as they splash about in victory, and rightly so. Oxford look exhausted and downbeat. There's always next year.
5.55pm - It's all over. Despite closing the gap to 10 seconds, Oxford can only watch on as Cambridge sweep over the line. It was very, very easy.
5.50pm - As they pass Barnes Bridge, Oxford are now 13 seconds behind. Just five years ago they swept all four races. Cambridge are set to do the same today.
5.47pm - The race almost gets worse for Oxford, who narrowly avoid colliding with a log.
5.46pm - Oh dear, oh dear. Oxford are now 12 seconds behind. Unless they sink, Cambridge look like they have this all wrapped up.
5.45pm - The light-blues are now four lengths ahead. They look very strong going into the Surrey Bend.
5.40pm - Cambridge are ahead by two lengths after the first mile.
5.38pm - Cambridge have soared into an early lead and there is already clear water between the two boats. This could be over before it has even begun!
5.35pm - And they're off!
5.27pm - We're nearly there! The men's race gets underway at 5.32pm. Check back for updates.
5.25pm - Cambridge, the favourites, have won the toss and have chosen to race on the Surrey side of the river.
5.20pm - Cambridge women have also won the reserves race, making it a double. Will they get the hatrick?
Earlier today, Cambridge soared to victory in the women's race, making it two-in-a-row for the light blues.
Winning cox Sophie Shapter said: “We just knew we had to go out there and do a job.”
Oxford president Katherine Ericsson said: “I’m crying, but I’m actually really proud.”
Oxford men's coach Sean Bowden acknowledged his side were underdogs going into today’s race.
He said: "I think it's fair to say they've been ahead of us all year, but we will do what we can to turn that around.
"It's an interesting race - that's why people like to come and watch it.”
Race conditions are said to be good today, according to BBC weather presenter Jennifer Bertram because the rowers will not be battling against the usual southerly-westerly winds.
She said: “The forecast sees a wind direction coming from the north or north east - there is a very light breeze as well.
“It may give a bit of a cross wind for the first part of the race, for the first couple of miles but once they get past Hammersmith, the crews will have just a little tail wind to help push them along.”