‘You wouldn’t put your dog in this river’: Boat Race exposes Thames Water failings

Participants in Oxford v Cambridge competition were warned to cover wounds due to risks from E coli-polluted waterway

On a bright, unexpectedly warm afternoon, it would have been easy to assume the crowds that gathered by the Thames yesterday for the 169th Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race were a signal that all remains rosy in the world of rowing and rivercraft.

Couples of all ages stood in the sunshine sipping pints and proseccos, groups waved dark-blue Oxford and light-blue Cambridge flags, and families posed for selfies. All appeared content about the prospects of watching another engrossing competition between the two old rivals - a battle that was eventually won by Cambridge in both the men and women's races.