SOUL OF SPORT: Thousands flock to the River Thames to watch Cambridge thrash historic rivals Oxford in the Boat Race despite a worrying near-collapse… with ANDY HOOPER capturing the action
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For the latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER travelled down to the banks of the River Thames to watch Cambridge thrash Oxford in this year’s Boat Race.
Cambridge beat their historic university rivals in the men’s race by three-and-a-half lengths to cap off a double, following victory in the women’s race.
Earlier in the week, crews had been warned not to enter the Thames after significant levels of E. coli were found, forcing them to take precautions and sport footwear.
After leading by more than 10 seconds, Cambridge’s men slowed toward the end of their race with stroke Matt Edge seemingly on the verge of collapsing. The stricken Edge was later carried out of the boat.
Our cameraman captured the action using Nikon Z8 and Z9 cameras with 24-70mm, 70-200 and 600mm lenses.
Four-time Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent watched on as Cambridge thrashed Oxford in the 2024 Boat Race
Cambridge surged into a three-and-a-half lengths lead in the men’s race and clinched victory despite a late collapse fear
The River Thames sparkled with sunshine as both crews in the men’s race put on a show in front of thousands of spectators
Sebastian Benzecry hoisted the trophy aloft after Cambridge’s men eased across the line to record a memorable double
Cambridge’s victorious men and women posed with their respective trophies after clambering out of their boats
Barges full of spectators floated slowly down the river with crowds of people transfixed on the drama on the water
Cambridge’s women’s team kickstarted their day to remember after beating their rivals across the four-mile course
The historic race starts at Putney and ends in Mortlake, with spectators stretching for miles down both banks of the river
Crews were advised to wear footwear this year and to avoid being in the water due to excessive levels of E. coli
Pinsent (right), who competed in the Boat Race on three occasions, conducted the coin toss ahead of the men’s race
Worryingly, Cambridge stroke Matt Edge needed to be carried out of the boat after coming close to collapsing
Oxford’s dejected crew slumped over in their boats as Cambridge toasted their achievement in the background
Cambridge displayed little visible emotion after crossing the line, such was the effort required to beat their rivals
The male and female crews came together on the podium to celebrate with their trophies and bottles of champagne
An attempted protest from Just Stop Oil was foiled on the Chiswick Bridge, with police officers seen stepping in
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