΄σΟσ΄«Γ½

The Boat Race, between Oxford and Cambridge, is back on the ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ this year with comprehensive coverage on TV, radio, mobile and the ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Sport website. Live coverage starts on ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ One on Saturday 3 April at 3.10pm.

Paul Davies, executive producer, ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Sport, says: "We first broadcast The Boat Race back in 1938 and are delighted to have one of the nation's oldest and most cherished sporting events back on the ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½. It is always a challenging event and we will be utilising both the latest technology available and our strengths in live sports broadcasting to bring all the action, excitement and atmosphere from the day.

"Technology has moved on since 2004, when we last covered the race, and we're delighted to be able to make the event available across our TV, radio and online platforms as well as via mobile phone – audiences can enjoy this key national occasion from wherever they are."

The Boat Race will also be available to watch again for seven days on ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ iPlayer.

The ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ TV team is led by Clare Balding, who will present from out and about on the towpath amongst the crowds and around the boathouses to really reflect the feel of the occasion. Clare will also announce the crews in a new style this year, with a dramatic unveiling of each rower – presented in the order they sit in the boats so audiences can get a comparative view of how the rivals match up.

One of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Sport's key voices from golf and rugby union, Andrew Cotter, will lead the commentary team alongside former Oxford rower and coach Dan Topolski and former Cambridge president Wayne Pommen. Wayne will be based out on the water in a launch travelling alongside the crews to offer a unique perspective on the race.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist and 10-time World rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent will report on race conditions, tides and technical elements of how the race will be won or lost, while expert analysis comes from Olympic silver medallist and double Boat Race-winning cox Acer Nethercott.

΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ London news presenter Riz Lateef will be at Mortlake with the crowds around the finishing area getting all the atmosphere and stories from the riverside.

The ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½'s live coverage will not only bring every stroke of the race itself, but all the excitement and tension of the build-up. Guests will include Sir Steve Redgrave, former Olympic and Cambridge rower Josh West and former Oxford president Barney Williams. Barney is also part of the radio commentary team, led by Nick Mullins, with analysis from former Olympic gold medallist Martin Cross and Sonja McLaughlin as reporter.

Television features will include Life On The River, from Coast's Neil Oliver, and former Boat Race rower and presenter Dan Snow looks back at the colourful and rich history of the race. There are also insights into fitness training with the Royal Marines and a look at the winning mentality needed for success.

Acer Nethercott presents The Dark Side Of The Boat Race, exploring the tactics and aggression needed to tackle the fierce character of the Thames, and what it sometimes takes to win a race where there are no prizes for coming second.

΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones reports on the remarkable story of the Winklevoss twins, who are both rowing in the Oxford crew. Cameron and Tyler recently won a massive out-of-court settlement acknowledging their role in developing the ideas behind the social networking site Facebook.

The race will also be broadcast internationally with distribution to over 150 countries, and will be seen by millions around the world on ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ World News and ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ America.

How to follow the Boat Race on Saturday 3 April:

TV
All the build-up, features and live coverage of the race – ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ One, 3.10-5.10pm.

Radio
΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Radio 5 Live Sports Extra will have all the build-up, live race commentary and reaction from 4pm.

΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Sport website
Information, background and statistics will be available, as well as live streaming of the race. Also available on mobile phone.

΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ iPlayer
Viewers can watch the race again for seven days afterwards at bbc.co.uk/iplayer

The ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ has a five-year deal with the Boat Race, starting from the 2010 event, allowing exclusive UK broadcasting rights.

LW