Birkett and Solms cruise to gruelling FNB Dusi titles
Andy Birkett and Abby Solms marched convincingly to their respective men’s and women’s titles at the 2017 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon
THREE flawless days from Andy Birkett and Abby Solms in the toughest conditions in over a decade saw the pair march convincingly to their respective men’s and women’s titles at the 2017 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon finishing at Blue Lagoon on Saturday.
Andy Birkett’s three day performance was one of class and experience as he didn’t put a foot wrong on his 120km trip to the sea. Birkett has now tied with the ‘Dusi Duke’ Martin Dreyer with seven Dusi victories with Birkett finishing first in four consecutive races from 2014 to 2017.
“I am not surprised we didn’t have a water release on day three with the drought that we are experiencing but this stage today was definitely the toughest stage of Dusi racing I have experienced. It was a tough day and everyone really deserves their medals! This year’s win has been quite special with the conditions and I can really appreciate sitting back and putting my feet up for a bit – maybe a bit of kite surfing!,” Birkett said.
The race for second was ended half way up the gruelling Burma Road portage as Euro Steel/Red Bull’s Sbonelo Khwela powered past Hank McGregor and into the distance to his best K1 place at the FNB Dusi.
“I am really happy with my second and I don’t mind losing to a guy like Andy, he paddled so well! I have been working so hard on my paddling so to come second ahead of a guy like Hank McGregor is a great feeling. To keep focused on my own race today was very important to me and to not chase Hank on the dam. I managed to keep my cool and it worked for me!,” Khwela continued.
Solm’s performance was unrivalled as she led the ladies race from the first portage on the opening day to the finish at the mouth to the Indian Ocean. It was a sublime way for the 27 year-old to wrap up her first FNB Dusi title.
“I think I feel more relief than anything at the moment! It was such a tough race, we had all the elements against us throughout but I came into the race wanting to win and I managed to achieve exactly what I wanted!” Solms mentioned with a smile.
PHOTO: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
With 120km to navigate from start to finish the margins for error become smaller and smaller as the race progresses and despite a slight mishap on the second stage of the race Solms believes she was as close to her best as she could get.
“You are never going to have a flawless race but I was happy that I managed to put three really good days of paddling. I have put so much into this so it is satisfying to get a good result,” a chuffed Solms added.
Stewart Little walked away with the Under 18 boys prize ahead of Mvelo Ngidi and Minenhle Mbhele in second and third respectively. Behind Mackenzie in the girls under 18 increment was Tracey Oellermann and Gemma Lawson.
David Evans was impressive over the three days winning the Under 16 boys crown while Caitlin Mackenzie was the fastest Under 26 girl throughout the three days.
