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

Four-time Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent watched as Cambridge thrashed Oxford in the 2024 regatta.

Cambridge took a three-and-a-half-length lead in the men’s race and cruised to victory despite fears of a late collapse.

The River Thames sparkled in the sun as both teams in the men’s race put on a show in front of thousands of spectators.

Sebastian Benzecry lifted the trophy after the Cambridge men crossed the line to record a memorable double.

The victorious Cambridge men and women posed with their respective trophies after disembarking from their ships.

Barges full of spectators floated slowly down the river with crowds of people transfixed by the drama on the water.

The Cambridge women’s team began their day to remember after beating their rivals over the four-mile course.

The historic race starts in Putney and finishes in Mortlake, with spectators stretching for miles along both banks of the river.

Crews were advised this year to wear footwear and avoid being in the water due to excessive levels of E. coli.

Pinsent (right), who competed in the regatta three times, conducted the draw before the men’s regatta.

Worryingly, Matt Edge, from Cambridge, had to be taken off the boat after nearly collapsing.

Oxford’s despondent crew slumped in their boats as Cambridge toasted their achievement in the background.

Cambridge showed little visible emotion after crossing the line, such was the effort required to beat their rivals.

The men’s and women’s teams gathered on the podium to celebrate with their trophies and bottles of champagne.

An attempted protest by Just Stop Oil was thwarted on Chiswick Bridge and police officers were seen intervening.