Boat Race 2025 Faces Legal Disputes and Environmental Concerns Ahead of Historic Event

Oxford and Cambridge prepare for this year's race under scrutiny over eligibility rules, crew composition, and Thames water quality.

The 2025 Boat Race marks the 10th anniversary of gender parity, with women competing on the same course and receiving equal billing as men.
Controversies over eligibility rules, including bans on PGCE students and the 12-year rule, have heightened tensions between Oxford and Cambridge teams.
Thames water pollution remains a significant issue, with E. coli levels reported at nearly three times above safety thresholds, raising health concerns for competitors.
Oxford's men's team, featuring several Olympians, is favored to win according to betting odds, while Cambridge remains dominant in the women's race despite recent setbacks.
The evolving composition of crews, with more international and postgraduate athletes, continues to challenge the traditional undergraduate focus of the historic event.