Date: Sunday 6 April Start time: 1630 BST Location: River Thames Check coverage details for BBC TV, Radio and this website

The crew are on average seven kilograms heavier per man than their Oxford counterparts.

While lighter, younger and shorter, Oxford's line-up contains three returning blues - Matt Smith, Robin Bourne-Taylor and Basil Dixon.

The Boat Race is one of the most popular events in the British calendar and attracts a crowd of around 250,000 to the banks of the River Thames.

'Unique event'

Last year Oxford won by one of the smallest margins in the event's history and experts are predicting another tight contest.

Cambridge coach Robin Williams said: "Standards are very high and both boat clubs keep producing good crews.

"So, hopefully, the days when the result was predictable from the very start are over."

Oxford coach Sean Bowden said: "The Boat Race is unlike any other sporting event - you have to pace yourself all year and hope that you get it right on the day."

The first race was held in 1829 after Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford.