McGregor and Birkett make for an unbeatable Dusi combo

DURBAN: South African men’s paddling has been dominated by two names in the last decade or so. There is arguably one of the sports greatest, Hank McGregor, with his now 10 marathon world championship gold medals, and more recently, the seemingly unstoppable Andy Birkett.

The pair have built up a healthy rivalry, none more so than in the Dusi Canoe Marathon, where Birkett has won seven of the last eight years. Thus, it came as quite a shock when veteran McGregor and Birkett decided to team up for this year’s K2 race, starting on February 15.

It does of course bring an entirely new dynamic to the competition as these two powerhouses of canoeing look to unify their talents rather than battle each other. It also means they have had to change their own personal dynamic.

“Before this Dusi build-up, Hank and I always had healthy respect for one another, on and off the water,” Birkett said alongside his partner, 13 years his senior.

“We would never cut each other off, and it was always fair, hard racing.”

“It has been great getting to know Hank though, getting along and having a good laugh. It was actually a different dynamic racing against Hank this year at (the) Drak (Challenge lastweekend). It felt like we were two mates just tripping on the river.”

McGregor admits that getting involved in this year’s Dusi was quite far from his mind, especially considering the tough racing conditions from last year.

But when the chance came around to partner Birkett, it was hard to pass up.

“When we spoke about it last year after World Marathon Champs, I was planning on going on a big holiday around this time,” McGregor smiled.

“But I’ve decided to paddle with Andy and give it a really good go. He is a phenomenal athlete. I have raced against him enough times, he has been in a class of his own in this race for the last couple years, no one has come close to him.”

The pair are two of the best current Dusi paddlers in their own right, but a K2 race is a different beast. However, Birkett confirms that things have felt good in their training thus far.

“It is not just about getting in the boat and paddling,” Birkett added. “There is much more to it. But it felt good from the beginning, and if a K2 doesn’t feel good from the outset, you are not going to get it going, but its felt great.”