In September of each year a large group - often as many as 40 potential oarsmen and coxes - assemble at each of Oxford and Cambridge Universities hoping to prove their potential to win a seat in the "Blue" boat on Race Day.
By December, after a series of cuts, both clubs have approximately 24 - 28 athletes left in their squad.
The coaches then race two crews from their squad over the Boat Race course to test their mettle under competition conditions.
Gradually, the Blue Boats and reserve crews take shape and a formal announcement of the line-ups takes place in early Spring - usually around four weeks before The Race itself.
Each member of the squad undertakes a gruelling programme of daily training throughout the year from September - April whilst juggling these commitments with their studies.
To be part of a crew, an athlete has to be a student at either Oxford or Cambridge University. Academic standards are not compromised at either institution for aspiring Boat Race participants.
