Different ropes: Channel 4 continues to launch as Boat Races is being developed

Channel 4 has screened many high-profile sports since its inception in 1982. Test cricket, the Tour de France, the Paralympics and even, for those with long memories, Masters golf in the mid-80s.

Normally considered the most progressive and forward-thinking world TV channel, on Saturday a new string will be added to its sports bow: The Boat Races, part of the English calendar since 1829. The plan is for an old event, famous and often debated by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, to get a new look.

Clare Balding, formerly the face of the BBC’s long-running cover, will once again be the presenter but Jamie Laing – reality TV star, Radio 1 DJ and podcaster – is joining her. Ade Adepitan, TV producer and “bona fide Londoner” (according to the production company), is also part of the on-screen team.

The BBC’s decision to ditch the show and acquire it for Channel 4, announced last October, has led some to wonder if it is drifting into futility. Naturally the editors and Channel 4 maintain the opposite is true; that the switch will broaden the appeal of the event and attract new audiences.

“It’s about coming in with fresh eyes,” said Pete Andrews, head of sport at Channel 4. “As a public service broadcaster we’re free and we can show it to everyone. We’re very happy.”

Production company FilmNova brings four years of experience from BBC broadcasting, and they have a number of initiatives planned. “Expect a lot of related comparisons,” said chief executive Phil Sibson. “For example, if this was a boxing match, it would be an 18-minute round, with no breaks.

“We’re putting together a dream boat and famous sports people. Unfortunately they won’t be there – but for example at No 5, you might have Serena Williams in the engine room.

“The stroke might be Paula Radcliffe, for flexibility and rhythm. Frankie Dettori might be the best assistant… We also tried to show the personalities of the dancers. We took them out of their colleges and did fun things.”

Whether Laing, who made his mark on E4’s Made in Chelsea, is likely to attract new viewers from a wider demographic is debatable. But it is clear that the athletes are the most important if the battle to increase popularity is to be won.

Siobhan Cassidy, chairman of the Boat Race company, said: “They are really hard working young people.

In recent times perhaps the most relevant reason, for ordinary people, is the ability of the Boat Races to shine a light on the scandal of the mismanagement of Thames Water, and the political issues involved when sewage is routinely poured into British waterways.

Politics aside, for anyone with a strong work ethic, there is much to be commended. Carys Earl, who is competing in Cambridge, is studying medicine and spoke this week about working in a hospital delivering babies until 3am before attending a 5am course. “Sleeping isn’t something you do very often,” Earl said.

After eight consecutive Cambridge to win the women’s president of Oxford, Heidi Long, seems to have the qualities to end their long wait for victory.

The 29-year-old Long won bronze in the women’s eight at Paris 2024 and is aiming for gold at Los Angeles 2028. The plan is to train for that full-time after graduating this year.

What Long calls “micro-studying” has been central to his disciplined schedule since last summer. “That’s what I rely on. It’s amazing how much work you can do in 10 minutes,” he said.

Long’s father, Keith, died before the Paris Olympics and his memory is stronger than ever as an influence. Long says: “He believed in me from a very young age. When I was a child I didn’t appreciate the sacrifices he made.

“Sometimes I would get in the car and he would say: ‘How was rowing?’ and I would give a two-word answer, probably like many young people. And honestly right now, what I would do for him is for him to take me, and just talk about rowing.

“I love being able to talk about him because he was an amazing man. He had such great strength. He cared so much about so many people and fought so hard against his own death. I could do 10 more strokes in a rowing race. That’s nothing compared to what he did.”

“Heidi is a wonderful leader,” says Annie Anezakis, president of Oxford last year and returning for a fourth shot at victory. I think she’s built a real sense of faith. She’s also great to be around.”

“She’s got a lot of experience,” says Oxford’s Sarah Marshall, who also returned for her fourth attempt. “The cool thing is that he’s able to convey that in a very good way. To be able to translate that I think is a real skill.”

Channel 4 will start the fight for young, old and young audiences, while the athletes can focus on a straightforward but not difficult goal. Win or lose, Long has achieved something meaningful with Oxford.