Each year, rowers from Oxford and Cambridge University go head-to-head on the River Thames. But is the prestigious battle a vulgar display of elitism or the ultimate meritocracy?
Boys in blue —
Each year, rowers from Oxford and Cambridge University go head-to-head on the River Thames. But is the prestigious battle a vulgar display of elitism or the ultimate meritocracy?
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This time last year, anti-elitism protester Trenton Oldfield brought the race to a standstill after plunging between the boats. He served seven weeks in prison for the stunt.
Oarsome protest —
This time last year, anti-elitism protester Trenton Oldfield brought the race to a standstill after plunging between the boats. He served seven weeks in prison for the stunt.
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The British Royal Marines (pictured delivering the trophy) weren't taking any chances this year, patrolling the course armed with thermal imaging equipment.
Stepping up security —
The British Royal Marines (pictured delivering the trophy) weren't taking any chances this year, patrolling the course armed with thermal imaging equipment.
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Compared to 2012, it was smooth sailing at Sunday's race -- or "fantastically boring" according to Telegraph journalist Tom Chivers -- with Oxford winning by a length-and-a-half.
Calmer waters —
Compared to 2012, it was smooth sailing at Sunday's race -- or "fantastically boring" according to Telegraph journalist Tom Chivers -- with Oxford winning by a length-and-a-half.
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Elitist? Far from it, said Cambridge University Boat Club president, George Nash, who called it the "ultimate meritocracy."
Guts and glory —
Elitist? Far from it, said Cambridge University Boat Club president, George Nash, who called it the "ultimate meritocracy."
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Thousands of onlookers turned up at the race, despite the freezing conditions. They were well-catered for, with wild boar sausage stalls and champagne-sponsored soirees lining the river bank.
Class of their own —
Thousands of onlookers turned up at the race, despite the freezing conditions. They were well-catered for, with wild boar sausage stalls and champagne-sponsored soirees lining the river bank.
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For the rowers, a grueling training regime begins in September. "You just have to make time for studying in between meetings," Nash said.
Train game —
For the rowers, a grueling training regime begins in September. "You just have to make time for studying in between meetings," Nash said.
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"The boat race isn't a race to lose -- you spend six months of your life training for it and to come second on the day is devastating," said former Oxford rower and four-time Olympic gold medalist, Matthew Pinsent, pictured front. "But to win, is magical."
That winning feeling —
"The boat race isn't a race to lose -- you spend six months of your life training for it and to come second on the day is devastating," said former Oxford rower and four-time Olympic gold medalist, Matthew Pinsent, pictured front. "But to win, is magical."
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Winning Oxford cox, Oskar Zorrilla, is thrown in the water after the race, as is tradition. Zorrilla caused controversy after he was heard loudly swearing during the competition.
Jumping for joy —
Winning Oxford cox, Oskar Zorrilla, is thrown in the water after the race, as is tradition. Zorrilla caused controversy after he was heard loudly swearing during the competition.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Only one tie has ever occurred in the 184-year-history of the race, when judge 'Honest John' Phelps reportedly announcing it was a "dead heat to Oxford by five feet," in 1877. The umpire later recorded the race as simply a dead heat.
Dead set —
Only one tie has ever occurred in the 184-year-history of the race, when judge 'Honest John' Phelps reportedly announcing it was a "dead heat to Oxford by five feet," in 1877. The umpire later recorded the race as simply a dead heat.
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It's not just males who take part. The women's boat race was first launched in 1927, with the Oxford ladies also emerging victorious this year.
Ladies day —
It's not just males who take part. The women's boat race was first launched in 1927, with the Oxford ladies also emerging victorious this year.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images