Dusi paddle team of Birkett, McGregor go head-to-head in Drak Challenge

UNDERBERG: Hank McGregor has, over his illustrious career, not shared the limelight with many. However, in recent times, he has had to deal with the prodigious paddling talent that is Pietermaritzburg’s Andy Birkett.

These two will again test out their rivalry in the 2018 edition of the Drak Challenge, which begins today, before partnering up for the Dusi in February.

It was a bombshell of an announcement when, in this a K2 year for the Dusi, these respectful rivals decided to tie their obvious ability into what could be an all conquering duo. But, in the first really competitive event of the season, the Drak offers up a chance for these two to competitively impress one another.

Birkett is the defending champion of both the Drak and the Dusi, and has been on a hot run of form in the uMzimkulu, having won the last four races on the trot. This year will be as competitive as ever, not only because of the low water, and expected fast conditions, but because of the Who’s Who line up paddlers.

McGregor enters the race with 10 Marathon World Championshp medals around his neck, and will also have well regarded Hungarian Adrián Boros breathing down his neck. Also in the chasing pack will be Birkett’s last K2 partner, Lance Kime, who he won the Dusi with in 2016.

Kime’s entry may have flown mostly under the radar, but his sister, Robyn Owen, caused a splash when she threw her paddle in the water at the 11th hour. Owen, a former Drak winner, before the domination of Abby Solms, looks to be making a bit of a comeback, causing more than a ripple of interest in the women’s race.

This race is also wide open as Solms sits this one out as she prepares for the birth of her child. This means there will be a new name on the trophy tomorrow, and the ever competitive Olympic medalist Bridgitte Hartley will hope it is hers.

Hartley came second to Solms last year, in a change of scene as she took to the KZN river as a bit of a greenhorn, and also made it hard for the dominant winner.

Hartley will be keeping an eye on Owen, as well as youngster Jenna Ward, not to mention Kyeta Purchase, who has a world marathon K2 silver medal, and is another Under 23 paddler hoping to grab the headlines.

The two-day race winds its way through the foothills of the Drakensberg with a 24km stage to Sinister Pool, just above the Swartberg Road Bridge today. The 36km second stage tomorrow finishes at Early Mist Farm near Coleford resort