2025 Boat Race Faces Tensions Over Eligibility Rules and Environmental Risks

Controversial bans on Cambridge rowers and concerns about Thames water quality overshadow the historic competition set for April 13.

Key Cambridge rowers, including Olympic gold medallist Tom Ford, have been barred from competing due to eligibility rules such as the 12-year limit and the PGCE qualification ban.
Oxford's insistence on applying eligibility rules to trial races led to the cancellation of Cambridge’s women’s reserve race, further straining relations between the clubs.
Legal experts suggest there are strong grounds to challenge the exclusion of Cambridge rowers, with accusations of ageism and unfairness fueling public debate.
Environmental testing revealed E.coli levels on the Thames significantly exceed safe limits, prompting health warnings and jeopardizing traditional post-race celebrations.
The 196-year-old Boat Race remains a celebrated event, with Cambridge dominating recent competitions and both teams preparing to compete on April 13.