2018 Boat Race, Oxford vs Cambridge: What time does it start, who are in the crews and what are the betting odds?

The 164th Boat Race gets under way on Saturday 24 March

Oxford and Cambridge universities go toe to toe and oar to oar this weekend in the men and women’s annual Boat Race.

All eyes will be on the River Thames once again as the Light Blues look to seek revenge for last year’s defeat and overturn their rivals’ recent dominance. Oxford have won four of the past five men’s races and are close to catching Cambridge in the overall standings (82-80).

In the women’s event, Cambridge won in record time last year after Oxford’s poor start to extend their head-to-head lead to 42-30.

More than 250,000 people are expected to take to the banks of the River Thames to watch the two teams compete - making this one of the biggest spectator events of the British sporting calendar.

Here’s what you need to know:

When is it?

The 164th Boat Race takes place on Saturday 24 March.

What time do the races start?

The women's race gets under way at 4.31pm while the men's race starts just over an hour later at 5.32pm.

Oxford claimed victory in last year's race (Getty)

Where can I watch the Boat Race?

BBC 1 will be broadcasting both events. Live coverage starts at 3.50pm on the day.

Odds:

Oxford: 81/50

Cambridge: 2/5

Dead heat: 50/1