Birkett relief as he took ‘beating’
DUSI: CHAMPION HOLDS OFF KHWELA IN GRUELLING RACE
Andy Birkett was relieved to reach the finish after a gruelling battle at the weekend, admitting he had taken a beating on his way to victory at the Dusi Canoe Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal.
Birkett wrapped up his ninth career title at the country’s most prestigious river race, while Christie Mackenzie secured her maiden victory in the women’s contest.
“This year was hard and last year was also tough, but I think every year has its challenges,” Birkett told the race website.
“It’s the Dusi. It’s not an easy race.”
Though he was chased hard by Sbonelo Khwela, who narrowed the gap to a little over a minute on Saturday’s third and final stage, Birkett shook off a bout of illness to hold on for the win.
He completed the 120km race in 8:09:48, earning his fourth title in a K1 boat, with Khwela crossing the line two minutes later in 8:11:55.
Veteran paddler Thulani Mbanjwa was the best of the rest, taking third place in 8:29:07.
“This last day was really hard work for me. I just tried to keep the momentum going... and I won’t lie, I am happy to get to Durban and not be suffering on the river anymore,” Birkett said.
Mackenzie, meanwhile, edged out Tamika Haw by one second in a late sprint, crossing the line in 10:00:11.
“Before the (last) stage I told myself that I needed to keep it conservative and avoid making mistakes because I had made so many in the first two days,” Mackenzie said.
Meanwhile, former Olympic swimming medallist Terence Parkin completed the race, despite he and K2 partner Mark Mulder breaking their boat with 16km remaining.
Participating with an injured ankle after he had run, cycled and swum over 1 120km from Joburg to Durban for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, organisers said Parkin had swum across the finish line.