Oxford have beaten Cambridge to claim the 2009 university Boat Race.

The Guardian says: “As the heaviest crew in the 180-year history of the race, Oxford were the strong pre-race favourites to claim the 155th edition of the varsity event but they trailed their old adversaries heading into the Surrey bend after Cambridge had made a quick start. The Light Blues, who had won the toss and opted for the Surrey station, led by half a length at the two-mile mark but could not take advantage of the sweeping middle bend. The crews clashed oars as Oxford began the fightback at the Chiswick Reach and, in a repeat of last year’s victory, the Dark Blues powered clear for their fourth victory in the last five years and their seventh this decade under coach Sean Bowden”.

The challenge is not finished: the next appointment will be in March 2010!