Boat Race 2017 - as it happened: Oxford reclaim their title on the Thames after seeing off Cambridge rivals

Re-live all the action from the 2017 Boat Race

Oxford ahead of their university rivals (Getty)

Oxford and Cambridge go toe to toe and oar to oar this weekend for the 163rd Boat Race.

All eyes will be on the River Thames once more as the Light Blues face their Dark Blue rivals once again.

Cambridge still lead the overall Boat Race head-to-head 82-79, while they hold a larger advantage in the Women’s Boat Race with a 41-30 lead.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Boat Race.

When is it?

The 163rd Boat Race takes place on Sunday 2 April, switching from its usual Saturday afternoon slot two years ago.

Why is it on a Sunday this year?

The Boat Race changes time and date each year due to two factors – university timetables and tide times. Each year, the Boat Race must take place during the Easter holidays, giving organisers a period of time from Saturday 12 March to Sunday 17 April to set a date. The Men’s Boat Race must also start 30 minutes before high tide in Putney, meaning the race is likely to change time each year in order to meet the requirements.

What time do the races start?

The women's race begins at 4.35pm and the men's race follows the same route an hour later at 5.35pm.

What time does TV coverage start?

All four races will be covered live on BBC One, with coverage set to get underway at 4pm.

The two rivals face off once again (AFP)

Who is going to win the men's race?

Oxford - 4/11

Cambridge – 15/8

Dead Heat – 100/1

What else could happen?

Race to be interrupted by a protester – 20/1

Race to be interrupted by a shark – 500/1

Either boat to be disqualified – 20/1

Either boat to sink – 20/1

Both boats to sink – 100/1

Odds provided by Betfair

[2 April 2017 13:00 · Samuel Lovett]

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's coverage of the 163rd annual boat race between Oxford University and Cambridge University.

The women's race gets under way at 4.35pm and the men's race follows along the same route, from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge, an hour later at 5.35pm. 

For those of you not soaking up the atmosphere along the Thames, we'll be providing live build-up from both races so make to stay tuned!

[2 April 2017 13:34 · Samuel Lovett]

After fears that the race would be cancelled following the discovery of an unexploded WWII bomb near the starting line, officials have now confirmed that the event will go ahead.

Police were called on Saturday after a member of the public spotted the shell in the River Thames near Putney Bridge, yards from the starting line.

Marine experts examined the submerged bomb and it was removed by specialist officers, Scotland Yard said.

Chief Inspector Tracy Stephenson said: "I'm very happy to update that the ordnance has now been safely removed and the race will be going ahead as planned."

More here: 

[2 April 2017 15:07 · Samuel Lovett]

Cambridge win the women's coin toss!

[2 April 2017 15:19 · Samuel Lovett]

The BBC are in place. Not long now until today's proceedings get into full swing!

[2 April 2017 15:21 · Samuel Lovett]

The crowds are building at The Adnams Fan Park in Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith. 

[2 April 2017 15:42 · Samuel Lovett]

Oxford win the toss for the men's race!​

[2 April 2017 15:54 · Samuel Lovett]

A bit of history on the race...

The first race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames following a challenge between old school friends: Charles Merrevile, a student at St John's College, Cambridge, and Charles Wordsworth, who was studying at Christ Church, Oxford.

Oxford raced in dark blue because five members of the crew, including the stroke, were from Christ Church, then Head of the River, whose colours were dark blue. There is a dispute as to the source of the colour chosen by Cambridge.

The second race was held in 1836 and over the next two years, there was disagreement over where the race should be held, with Oxford preferring Henley and Cambridge preferring London.

Following the official formation of the Oxford University Boat Club in 1839, racing between the two universities resumed on the Tideway and the tradition continues to the present day, with the loser challenging the winner to a rematch annually

[2 April 2017 16:01 · Samuel Lovett]

The two women's teams are in the water! (Their race gets under way at 4.35pm)

[2 April 2017 16:05 · Samuel Lovett]

Compared to the choppy waters that made last year's races so gruelling, it seems the waters are far more subdued and settled this time round. Ideal racing conditions!

Oxford Women's team in the water 

[2 April 2017 16:10 · Samuel Lovett]

All a big day for Oxford's William Warr today, who becomes only the third man in the history of the race to row for both crews. 

He starred for Cambridge two years ago but will now go head-to-head with some of his former team-mates.