Dusi legend’s feeling reborn

Durban – Having accepted the offer to paddle the Dusi with seven-time champion Andy Birkett, world champion Hank McGregor (above) is finding the approach to the 2018 edition of the three-day classic totally invigorating.

The Dusi takes place from Pietermaritzburg to Durban from February 15 to 17.

“When Andy (Birkett) asked me, I thought it would be a great idea. The world number one and two teaming up for the Dusi – that’s not going to happen that often!” he quipped.

“I have never had a running coach or training programme before. I used to just run as part of my training, some of it with a boat.

“Now we have a really thorough, intensive programme that we are following, and it is feeling fantastic,” said McGregor.

McGregor spent much of the end-of-year holiday in Underberg where he kept up the thorough running regime, enjoying the added benefit of training at altitude.

“I have always come into the Dusi as a strong paddler, but my running hasn’t been as strong as some of the other guys.

“The running programme will change a lot of that,” he added. “I am feeling so good running now, with the mix of hill sessions, endurance and running with the boat, that I might even target a Comrades after this!”

“I will provide the power from the back cockpit on the water,” he added.

The combination of Birkett and McGregor has quickly been seen as a Dusi dream team and they will start the three-day race as out-and-out favourites to claim the 2018 K2 title. – ANA