Wednesday 26 March 2008 at 10:37

The Cambridge University Boat Team are hoping that their weight will not be a disadvantage during the annual Boat Race this weekend.

Each of the Cambridge rowers was found to be an average 12 pounds lighter than their Oxford counterparts when they were weighed in yesterday (Tuesday, March 25th), the BBC reports.

The race is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 5.15pm and the teams will row the traditional 4.25 mile course from Putney to Mortlake. Oxford are currently favourites to win, at 5/6 with William Hill.

The Oxford rowers are an average of 15 stone six pounds but Duncan Holland, the Cambridge coach, is hoping that his team will still be able to row to victory despite the fact that weather forecasters are predicting strong winds.

He explained: "Historically the heavier crew tend to win but a lot could depend on how the crews react to the conditions."

However, Oxford coach Sean Bowden is not worried by his heavier rowers.

"I don't mind being the heavier crew," he said. "I am happy to go in with strong, athletic, tall people but there's more to it than just size. We didn't pick the crew on size - we did it on ability and performance."

Subscribe to OLBG Sports Betting News