March 29, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 20, 1429

LONDON, March 28: The Oxford and Cambridge crews will be battling the weather as much as each other in Saturday’s 154th edition of the Boat Race.

Stormy conditions and choppy waters are forecast for the 6.8-kilometre (4.25-mile) amateur rowing classic on the River Thames.

South-westerly winds of more than 32 kilometres per hour (20 miles per hour) are predicted, increasing the likelihood of boats being swamped.That’s what nearly happened to the Cambridge crew in similar conditions in 2006.

Oxford coach Sean Bowden hopes his crew has learned lessons from practicing in recent bad weather.

Oxford is the heavier crew, which is traditionally an advantage. And Cambridge is still adjusting to losing American stroke Shane O’Mara, who has a heart condition.

Cambridge spent the past two days practicing with new stroke Ryan Monaghan, another American who was promoted from the reserve boat after O’Mara was forced to withdraw Wednesday.

Oxford doesn’t think the change will make much difference.

Monaghan’s arrival gave the Cambridge boat an additional 6.4 kilograms (14 pounds) but it still weighs 43.2 kilograms (95 pounds) less than Oxford’s crew, which comes in at 786.6 kilograms (1734 pounds).

Oxford is the favorite with British bookmakers. William Hill cut the price of an Oxford victory on Friday from 5-6 to 8-15, with Cambridge listed at 11-8.

Cambridge leads the overall series 79-73. One race — in 1877 — ended in a dead heat.

Monaghan is one of five Americans competing Saturday.

Michael Wherley, 36, will become the oldest competitor in the 179-year history of the race. He’ll be joined in the Oxford boat by compatriots Aaron Marcovy, Charles Cole and stroke William England.

Wherley is also the most experienced rower in the event, having been a member of three world championship winning crews in the eights and competed at two Olympics.

Cambridge’s crew will also feature Australians Tim Perkins and Tom Edwards. — AP