Mocké returns for Mauritius
FISH Hoek surfski star Jasper Mocké is eagerly preparing for the Ocean Racing World Cup season’s first event, the Mauritius Ocean Classic this weekend.
Mocké is keen to make an impact on the race against some of the world’s best surfski competitors, and has been encouraged by the forecast of strong winds but manageable ocean conditions that are likely to favour the seasoned surfski experts.
“At this stage the conditions look really fantastic,” Mocké said from his base at the Tamassa Resort.
“It looks like a howling downwind with not too much swell, so pretty much the same as it has been for the last four years.”
Mocké will be hunting for a second title in the race, now in its eighth year, with the other six having been shared three apiece by his older brother, Dawid, and Hank McGregor.
“I count myself privileged to be among the previous winners of this race and the other two winners are both here again this year,” said Mocké.
“Both Daw and Hank know… their way around, so that’s where I think the strongest competition will come from.
“It’s really cool to see a strong Aussie contingent out as well. Michael Booth and Cory Hill are here and they were second and third last year.”
After grinding his way on to the podium in hot and flat racing at the recent Maui Jim Molokai Challenge, Mocké was struck down with a virus – aggravated by jet lag – on his way back from his extended stay in Hawaii, which forced him out of the SA Marathon Championships in his own back yard in Cape Town.
However, the break has done him good, while some of his rivals will come into the Mauritius event after a hectic programme of racing.
“The Mauritius Ocean Classic, being a downwind event, is a big bonus because although you still paddle hard, you can fall back on the skill factor as well,” said Mocké.
“All the top guys are equally skilled, though, so it’s going to be a tough race.” – Gameplan Media