The Boat Race: Season 2013, Episode 1

2013 - 1: The 159th Boat Race

Clare Balding introduces live coverage of the 159th Boat Race on London's River Thames, with Oxford University hoping to avenge last year's dramatic defeat to Cambridge University. The first contest took place in 1829, and has been held every year since 1856, but few races have been as incident-packed as last year's, which was interrupted by a protestor in the water. Cambridge went on to win following a restart, although Oxford were disadvantaged after suffering a broken oar in a clash of blades.This year the Oxford eight hold a 21kg weight advantage, but both crews can call upon a British Olympic medallist; Oxford's Constantine Louloudis helped the men's eight win bronze at London 2012, while Cambridge's George Nash claimed bronze in the men's coxless pair.Commentary comes from Andrew Cotter, Dan Topolski and Wayne Pommen.