Dusi promises a blanket finish

IN CHARGE: MCGREGOR, BIRKETT HOLD ON TO THEIR LEAD

Top four boats are separated by just 3sec going into final day.

Setting up a thrilling four-boat battle heading into today’s final stage, Andy Birkett was relieved to remain in charge with partner Hank McGregor after recovering from a technical problem at the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal.

Birkett and McGregor, who had led by nearly two minutes over Siboniso Khwela and Siseko Ntondini at the start of stage two, experienced trouble with their rudder, and the duo were caught at the Confluence rapids.

Despite slipping back and losing significant ground, however, they managed to close the gap on the leaders, keeping themselves in the hunt in an exciting race.

“That’s how it goes – it’s Dusi racing – so we’re just happy to still be in contention,” Birkett said afterwards.

Former winner Ant Stott and Banetse Nkhoesa were fastest yesterday, completing the second leg in 3:01:26.

Birkett and McGregor retained their lead, however, holding an advantage of one second ahead of Adrian Boros and Carl Folscher in the K2 contest.

Stott and Nkhoesa were wellplaced in third overall, followed by Khwela and Ntondini, with the top four boats separated by just three seconds ahead of the final stretch into Blue Lagoon.

“I don’t think, since I’ve been watching Dusi, i have seen four boats starting the last day together,” Birkett said.

“So it’s super exciting. I can’t wait.”

In the women’s race, sisters Jordan and Cana Peek covered the second stage in 3:35:55 to remain well clear up front.

The siblings opened a gap of more than eight minutes at one point, and while chasers Bridgitte Hartley and Christie Mackenzie chipped into their lead with a late surge, they were nearly five minutes ahead after two stages.

Jenna Ward and Vanda Kiszli held on to third spot, another five minutes further back.