Oxford and Cambridge eights are in the final stages of preparation for the Henley Boat Races which take place on the famous Royal Regatta course in Henley-on-Thames on Sunday 27 March.
It has been an exciting year for both universities. Natalie Redgrave, daughter of the illustrious Sir Steve, is expected to row for the Oxford Women's Blue Boat, while at Cambridge a change in the coaching team has produced the best results the light blues have seen in recent years.
The Cambridge women have had the upper hand all season, with wins over Oxford at Fuller's Fours Head of the River Race and the recent Henley Head. However, with 7 wins in the last decade the dark blues will be sure to fight hard.
The Women's Boat Race is part of a four-race programme which also includes Boat Races for lightweight men and lightweight women, as well as the reserves race between Osiris (for Oxford) and Blondie (for Cambridge).
TUESDAY 22 MARCH - CHALLENGE AND WEIGH-IN - HENLEY-ON-THAMES
The Challenge and Weigh-In to be held at the River and Rowing Museum in Henley at 11am on Tuesday 22 March marks the first opportunity for the crews to meet face to face. The Presidents of each crew will introduce their athletes before last year's losing President issues a formal challenge to race. Following the Challenge there is the opportunity for media photographs and interviews.
SUNDAY 27 MARCH - RACE DAY - HENLEY-ON-THAMES
The race programme starts at 1.15pm, to include the Women's Boat Race at 3pm, and full details are available on the event website www.henleyboatraces.com, Facebook: Henley Boat Races, Twitter: @HenleyBoatRaces / #hbr2011
1.15pm Intercollegiate women's race
1.30pm Intercollegiate men's race
2.00pm Women's Reserves - Osiris v. Blondie
2.30pm Lightweight Women's Boat Race - OUWLRC v. CUWBC Lightweights
3.00pm Women's Boat Race - OUWBC v. CUWBC
3.30pm Lightweight Men's Boat Race - OULRC v. CULRC
4.30pm Trophies presented at Remenham Farm by Anna Watkins (nee Bebington), Olympic Medallist 2008 and current World Champion in the Women's Double Sculls.