ITV have revealed next year's Boat Race will be the last shown by the broadcaster.

The network's five-year deal to televise the annual clash between Oxford and Cambridge runs out after the 2009 event.

This year's coverage attracted a peak audience of 7.6million, a 76 per cent increase on 2007, but ITV's football commitments are taking precedence.

A spokesman told The Guardian: "(Our) award-winning coverage has been well received by both critics and viewers alike.

"However, ITV has invested significantly in a fantastic football portfolio and therefore we will not be renewing our contract for the Boat Race, with the 2009 race the last on ITV1.

"We wish the organisers well."