- Cambridge thrashed university rivals Oxford in the 2024 regatta after winning by three and a half lengths
- The victors gained a comfortable lead, but slowed the pace with a blow from Matt Edge on the brink of collapse.
- All crews were warned not to enter the Thames after significant levels of E. coli were found, putting health at risk.
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sports. For the latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER traveled to the banks of the River Thames to watch Cambridge defeat Oxford in this year’s regatta.
Cambridge beat their historic university rivals in the men’s race by three and a half lengths to cap a double, following victory in the women’s race.
Earlier in the week, crews were warned not to enter the Thames after significant levels of E. coli were found, forcing them to take precautions and wear sports shoes.
After leading by more than 10 seconds, the Cambridge men slowed towards the end of their race with Matt Edge seemingly on the verge of collapsing. The stricken Edge was subsequently removed from the ship.
Our videographer 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 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.
