Cambridge regains Boat Race title

LONDON, England -- Cambridge has won the 147th annual University Boat Race after dominating the historic clash from an early point over rivals Oxford.

But the race got off to a controversial start when the two teams' oars clashed and the contest was restarted once both sides were in a level position.

From the restart Cambridge surged clear, opening up a one-length lead by Hammersmith Bridge to break the back of the Oxford challenge.

By the midway point at Chiswick Steps they were cruising and opening up clear water with every stroke.

Thousands lined the route along the River Thames for the race which runs between Putney and Mortlake.

Oxford's rowers won last year after suffering seven successive defeats. The overall total is now 77 to 69 in Cambridge's favour.

The win was sweet for Kieren West who led Cambridge to victory six months to the day after he claimed his Olympic gold in Sydney.

The Cambridge president said: "I can't explain how this compares to the Olympics -- both made me feel superhuman.

"Winning the Boat Race is definitely on a par with my gold in Sydney."

The umpire for the race said both parties were responsible for the controversial start and that was why there was no disqualification.

University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
The University Boat Race

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