Why are The Boat Race winners not allowed to throw their cox in the water to celebrate this year?

CAMBRIDGE and Oxford go head-to-head as The Boat Race returns – and there has been a major change to the usual tradition.

It was a double win for Cambridge last year where both men and women left with victories.

PA

Cambridge celebrates victory after last year’s men’s race[/caption]

And in a never-before-seen twist, what they did to celebrate will not be allowed this year.

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Why are The Boat Race winners not allowed to jump in the water to celebrate this year?

It is a tradition to throw the cox of the winning team, between the light and dark blues, into the water.

As for this year, the winning cox being thrown into the water has been axed.

The Boat Race organisers have announced a safety guidance for the race on Saturday.

After inspection, high levels of E coli bacteria have been found on the Championship Course by the River Action campaign group.

For that reason, it could be history for the winning cox to be thrown into the Thames.

What will the cox of the winning team do instead?

Although the safety guidance has been issued, the races for men and women will still go ahead as planned.

Instead of the traditional celebration, the crews for Cambridge and Oxford will be advised to wash themselves down at a cleansing station at finish.

Instructions for the rowers have been given to not enter the water and to cover any open wounds.

What’s been said?

James Wallace criticised Thames Water for not doing more to improve water quality in the River Thames.

River Action’s chief executive said: “We are in a tragic situation when elite athletes are issued with health guidance ahead of a historic race on the capital’s river,

“Our water quality results show what happens after decades of neglect.”

Thames Water said: “Taking action to improve the health of rivers is a key focus for us and we want to lead the way with our transparent approach to data,” after blaming the problem on recent high levels of rainfall.”