OXFORD University are bidding to wrestle back the Boat Race crown today.

After losing to Cambridge last year, the Dark Blues – who weighed in 1.3kg heavier than their rivals – are on a mission.

They must, however, get the better of two-time Olympic champion James Cracknell when they take to the River Thames at 3.10pm.

Oxford, who trail the overall head-to-head 83-80, saw last year’s defeat end a run of four wins in five years.

They name two returning Blues in their crew in the form of president Felix Drinkall and Benedict Aldous.

Augustin Wambersie is at stroke and will be the first Belgian to row in a Blue boat for 156 years.

Oxford’s ladies will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat when they race at 2.13.

OXFORD UNIVERSITY CREWS

Men: Charlie Pearson (bow), Ben Landis, Achim Harzheim, Patrick Sullivan, Tobias Schroder, Charlie Buchanan, Felix Drinkall, Augustin Wambersie (stroke), Toby De Mendonca (cox).

Women: Issy Dodds (bow), Anna Murgatroyd, Renee Koolschijn, Lizzie Polgreen, Tina Christmann, Beth Bridgman, Liv Pryer, Amelia Standing (stroke), Eleanor Shearer (cox).