Oxford impose double defeat on Cambridge in boat race

Female rowers have a new benchmark to beat after Oxford university's eight won in 19 minutes 45 seconds in the first race to be held on the same choppy tidal Thames course as the men's competition.

Women's races are usually held over a 2,000m course at Henley a week before the men. On Saturday they raced four miles, 374 yards (6,787m) from Putney bridge to Chiswick bridge.

When women from the two universities first stepped out on to the Isis in Oxford to race in 1927 they were greeted by "large and hostile crowds gathered on the towpath," according to contemporary newspaper reports. The two boats had to be timed separately rather than side by side to avoid accidents.

This year, as more than 300,000 people lined the Thames, the Oxford women started as overwhelming favourites to win and had the advantage of winning the toss and choosing the Surrey station.

After an aggressive start by both crews, into a strong headwind against the tide, Oxford, led by president Anastasia Chitty opened up a commanding lead which Cambridge could not challenge. Oxford crossed the line 19 seconds or six and a half boat lengths ahead of their rivals.

Oxford men made it a double triumph an hour later winning their race by 20 seconds or six lengths, their sixth victory in eight years.

Cambridge lead the series overall by 81 victories to 79.

Oxford's president Constantine Louloudis achieved his fourth win in five years. The 23-year-old missed out in 2012 as he competed for Great Britain at the London Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the men's eight competition.

Oxford's recent dominance also extends to the women's event. Before today they had won six of the last seven stagings over a straight 2,000m course, including last year's race at Henley-on-Thames.

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