The rhythm in the Cambridge crew is strong and they have a good turn of speed. Both attributes will be needed in what is predicted to be the slowest Boat Race for 30 years due to the amount of land water coming down stream. Depending on how much land water there is, and yesterday's rain cannot of helped the situation, it is possible that the race will take place on slack water. Indeed, there are some predicting that the crews will race against the stream. This will leave the umpire Rupert Obholzer very busy.
Most umpires pray for a clean race with one crew out in front from the first stroke.
Rupert, on the other hand, can expect a tight race with crews all over the river. Pinsent salutes the Boat Race Cambridge battle to reclaim crown Tough times on the Thames Links to top University Boat Race stories are at the foot of the page.