Overview

• Controversial eligibility rules led to the exclusion of four Cambridge rowers, including PGCE students and an Olympic gold medalist, fueling legal disputes between the teams.
• The women's race was briefly halted after an aggressive on-water clash, with Cambridge ultimately securing their eighth consecutive victory.
• E. coli levels in the Thames remain a significant health concern, with water quality cited as an ongoing issue impacting team preparations.
• Oxford restructured its squad with international champions, including Olympians, but struggles to break Cambridge's recent dominance in both races.
• The race highlights tensions between tradition and modernity, as the 10-year anniversary of equal billing for the women's race coincides with debates over elitism and fairness.