Oxford and Cambridge are ready to take to the Thames once more in the 2017 Boat Race.

The two universities will row along the London river for the 163rd time in one of British sport's most iconic events.

Once again Steve Trapmore, who grew up in Walton and began his racing career at the town's rowing club, will be coaching Cambridge.

Oxford will be out for revenge after they were edged out by the Light Blues last year - as Cambridge stretched their all-time record.

But when will the action take place? And where can you watch it all unfold?

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the latest installment of the Boat Race.

When is the Boat Race?

The event is at 5:35pm on Sunday 2 April, with the women's race kicking off an our earlier.

Where can I watch the action unfold?

BBC One will be carrying television coverage - having taken the rights off ITV seven years ago.

Although with all great sport it is better to see in the flesh - and as is a rarity in modern sport it is free to attend on the west London river banks.

Get yourself down to Putney Bridge to see the crews set-off or just down from Chiswick Bridge for the big finale - with plenty of spots to get a view in between.

The best places to watch it are Bishop's Park and Furnivall Gardens where events and entertainment will get under way at midday and there will be big screens with the race on.

There are good spots on some of the bridges the race passes - but get their early. The options are Putney Bridge, where you can see the start, Hammersmith Bridge, which is about halfway, and Chiswick Bridge.

Why is it such a big event?

The first race was in 1829 when Oxford, coxed by J.P. Heywood-Lonsdale, triumphed in a friendly challenge between school friends in Henley.

Since then some of the best rowers in the world have competed to prove which university rules the waves.

Cambridge are leading the all-time winner list between the universities - having romped to victory 82 times to the Dark Blues' 79.

The Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race will take place on Sunday April 2

The women's race has been an annual occurrence since 1927 - again the Light Blues top the most victories tally with a strong 41-30 lead.

Last year Cambridge ended a four year losing streak to win by two and a half lengths in the mens' race. The women didn't match their classmates as they nearly sank and lost by 24 length.

Olympic hero Matthew Pinsent will be the umpire this year.

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Who will win the 2017 Boat Race?

Boat race results

Men

Cambridge 82

Oxford 79

Dead heats 1

Women

Cambridge 41

Oxford 30

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