Oxford v Cambridge boat race 2022: date and time, London route, where to watch and odds on winning university

The long-time boat between two of the UK’s most distinguished universities, Cambridge and Oxford is set to return this weekend.

For almost 200 years, the universities have competed against each other for bragging rights and race every year in a bid to be the best in the water.

It is thought to bring in millions of watchers all over the United Kingdom, with fans following the action closely on the banks of the River Thames in London.

The 2021 boat race between the two was moved from the River Thames to Ely in Cambridgeshire for the first time post World War Two. It was moved because of the coronavirus pandemic and further safety concerns over Hammersmith Bridge.

Cambridge won the race by almost a length.

Around 250,000 fanatics are set to watch the race in person, but how can you watch action unfold at home, and when is the race?

When is the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race?

The 2022 boat race is due to take place this Sunday, April 3 2022. The women’s race gets underway at precisely 2:23pm, and the men’s race will take place an hour after, at 3:23pm.

What is the boat race?

The Oxford v Cambridge boat race is an annual boat race pitting the Cambridge University Boat Club and the Oxford University Boat Club together as they race a four mile stretch on the River Thames in London.

There are separate races for men and women, and also a race for the reserve crews.

The inaugural boat race was in 1927 with both teams racing annually since, although the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the race in recent years.

Who has the upper hand?

As of 2021, Cambridge has won the men’s race 85 times with their counterparts Oxford winning 80 times, with one dead heat included too.

In the women’s race, Cambridge have won the race 45 times and are comfortably ahead of Oxford in terms of overall wins as they have 30 wins.

How can I watch the race?

There is expected to be a great crowd gathered along the banks of the River Thames, as it is the first race to take place on the famous river since 2019.

You can pitch up there, but you may have to get there early with crowds predicted to be around 250,000.

Alternatively, you can watch it from the comfort of your home as the race is going to broadcasted on BBC One, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Expect your usual sports coverage that you would get for football and more, with analysis included and interviewers prior to the race.

What are the bookies’ odds?

At William Hill, the women’s boat race odds are 2/7 for a Cambridge victory, 5/2 for an Oxford victory and 100/1 for a dead heat.

The men’s race sees Oxford clear favourites as they’re priced at 4/11, with Cambridge priced at 2/1 and a dead heat priced at 100/1.

Sky Bet are also offering odds, and offer specials such as either boat to sink at 16/1 or both boats to sink at 100/1. They placed the Oxford men as clear winners at 4/11 and price Cambridge at 2/1.

Sky Bet also place Oxford Women as favourites at 5/2, with Cambridge at 2/7.