Tension builds as Cambridge aim for Boat Race double over Oxford
It's seven days until one of sport's oldest rivalries resumes
With seven days to go until this year's Boat Race, there's tension in the air as Cambridge once again do battle with old rivals Oxford.
Both Cambridge's men's and women's crews are looking to retain the titles they won on the River Thames course a year ago in front of more than 200,000 spectators.
For women's president Gemma King, this will be her seventh Boat Race and has never tasted defeat in this event.
"At the end of the day, what we have to focus on is ourselves and making ourselves as fast as possible, and not focusing on what Oxford are doing," she said.
"I think you have to learn that whatever you did the year before, you put to the side the next year.
"We pretty much have an entire new team most years, so we can only be as fast as we can so we've got to keep pushing on and find new ways to improve."
This year's crew includes some new recruits, including world champion Camille Vandermeer and Mia Freischem.
Mia will make history when she races against her sister Lilli, who has been selected for Oxford.
Last year, Cambridge beat Oxford in the women's race between Putney and Mortlake by two-and-a-half lengths, their eighth win in a row.
"We’ve got such a strong squad, there’s so much depth," King added.
"To see the progress made throughout the year has been really exciting and I really can’t wait for the race.”
'Take nothing for granted'
The women's blue boat hasn't lost against the old enemy since 2016 when Oxford won by 24 lengths.
As for the men, they're aiming for a fourth win on the spin and in each of the last three years, have increased the margin of victory.
American rower Simon Hatcher was part of the winning Cambridge side in last year's race.
"I think the important thing is to take nothing for granted; I'm sure Oxford will offer us fantastic competition and to be a part of this is really special," he said.
"Over the last few years, there's a strong winning tradition and there's a lot of pressure to keep that going, and that's a fun thing to be a part of."
Training for the Boat Race started several months ago, a time Simon said can be challenging ahead of racing on the 4.25 mile course.
"You tune out the noise from any publicity and focus internally on how we row, and that makes things a lot easier," he added.
"It can be very challenging sometimes, long days, intense practices, but the end is in sight and I think there's a growing sense of excitement among all the athletes; it's a really special time."
The women's Boat race is due to start at 2.21pm next Saturday, while the men's race begins at 3.21pm.