Birkett, Solms Dusi king, queen
FINISH: SBONELO KHWELA FINISHES A DISTANT SECOND
Veteran Hank McGregor misses out on a podium finish.
Both pre-race favourites were relieved to overcome tough conditions and live up to the hype, after Andy Birkett and Abby Solms secured convincing victories at the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal.
Birkett joined an elite group of local paddlers at the annual threeday river contest, which came to a close on Saturday, becoming the third man to earn seven career titles after battling through low level water and blocks of hyacinth.
He completed the 120km race in 8:32:55 to draw level with Martin Dreyer in the all-time Dusi winners’ rankings. Only the late Graeme Pope-Ellis earned more victories at the event, with 15.
“This year’s win has been quite special with the conditions, and I can really appreciate sitting back now and putting my feet up for a bit,” Birkett said.
Sbonelo Khwela laid down the hammer on the final stage and surged past eight-time marathon world champion Hank McGregor to grab second spot, more than 23 minutes behind the winner.
Thulani Mbanjwa also produced a late burst, powering his way past McGregor to snatch third place, another eight minutes further back.
McGregor, who was lying second at the start of the day, missed out on the podium by ending fourth overall.
In the women’s race, Solms went unchallenged as she earned her maiden K1 Dusi title.
She completed the race in 10:16:03, finishing 49 minutes ahead of teenager Christie Mackenzie.
After fighting back on stage two, former Olympic sprint medallist Bridgitte Hartley slipped well off the pace in the chase for the title, though she held on for third place.
“I think I feel more relief than anything at the moment,” Solms said after crossing the finish line.
“It was such a tough race. We had all the elements against us throughout, but I came into the race wanting to win and I managed to achieve exactly what I wanted.”