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
