Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon Media Release

 No: Berg1011

13 July 2010


McGregor makes his intentions clear at the 2010 Windhoek Berg Canoe Marathon time trial.

Paarl- The 2010 Windhoek Berg Canoe Marathon opened on a day that can only be classed as the best the Cape has to offer- sunny, windless, and not a cloud in the sky. The tension at the start line of today’s time trial was tangible, as the local Cape contingent led by Lance King are determined to see the end of the McGregor reign of dominance of the Berg.

Last year’s defending champion, Hank McGregor, did not in fact need to race today, as in Berg tradition, the previous year’s winner starts Day 1first, in a row of his own, and so does not have to compete for a good starting position. McGregor, however, had something to prove. And prove it he did, finishing the 2km sprint 36 seconds ahead of the second placed Lance King.

Afterwards McGregor said, “I’m happy to have won the time trial, it shows me I’ve still got it. If it had been close, with less than ten seconds difference, I would be worried.”

Should McGregor claim the 2010 Windhoek Berg title, he will have seven titles to his name, beating the record 6 wins set by Berg King, Robbie Herreveld. When asked how important it is to claim his 7th Berg title, McGregor replied that “Every Berg title is as important as the others”.

Last year’s second placed paddler, Lance King, said that he has done everything he can to prepare for this year’s race and concluded by saying, “If Hank beats me this year, then he is the better man.”

With only four Elite lady paddlers competing, the women did not take part in today’s time trial. Contenders for the 2010 Ladies title include the defending champion from the University of Stellenbosch, Robyn Kime, who by her own admission is under trained.

Also looking to cause some ripples is top Durban surf ski paddler, Donna Winter, and the Ladies winner of the 2010 Swartland Canoe Marathon, Peninsula Canoe Club’s, Jemma Hofmeyr.

Tomorrows’ racing begins at 9.30am with paddlers tackling the 62.1km stage from Paarl to Zonquasdrift. More information can be found at www.windhoekberg.co.za.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
TIME TRIAL - WINDHOEK BERG RIVER CANOE MARATHON
OVERALL
1. Hank McGregor 13:46.25
2. Lance King 14:22.82
3. Alastair Glass 14.28.04
4. Heinrich Schloms 14:33.35
5. Marc Holtzhausen 14:45.95
6. Pierre-Andre Rabie 14:48.73
7. Edgar Boehm Jnr 15:10.08
8. Greg van Heerden 15:15.42
9. Lance Kime 15:23.84
10. Chris Dewaal 15.31.53

ENDS

Photo

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Defending champion Hank McGregor at the time trial for the Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon in Paarl. Mouton van Zyl/
Gameplan Media
Lance King at the time trial for the Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon in Paarl. Mouton van Zyl/
Gameplan Media
Pierre-Andre Rabie at the time trial for the Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon in Paarl. Mouton van Zyl/
Gameplan Media
Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon 2010 Logo 
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Windhoek Berg River Canoe Marathon 2010 Logo
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