THE BOAT RACE

In the 120th boat race, Cambridge won the toss and chose the Middlesex side, while Oxford would have chosen the Surrey side. Despite neither crew being the best, favorable conditions promised a competitive race. Oxford set a record pace, leading by three lengths at Hammersmith Bridge and maintaining a high stroke rate. They continued to break records at Chiswick Steps and Barnes Bridge. Ultimately, Oxford won by five and a half lengths, finishing in 17 minutes 35 seconds, breaking a 26-year-old record by 15 seconds, and ending Cambridge's six-year winning streak.

Which side did Cambridge choose after winning the toss?

• Middlesex

• Thames

• Hammersmith

• Surrey

What was the experts' opinion about the crews before the race?

• Both crews were the best they had ever seen

• Oxford was significantly better

• Neither crew was the best they had ever seen

• Cambridge was significantly better

At which point did Oxford equal the record time set by Cambridge in 1948?

• The milepost

• Chiswick Steps

• Barnes Bridge

• Hammersmith Bridge

How many seconds inside the record was Oxford at Barnes Bridge?

• 16 seconds

• 14 seconds

• 10 seconds

• 12 seconds

By how many seconds did Oxford break the 26-year-old record?

• 10 seconds

• 18 seconds

• 12 seconds

• 15 seconds