Russell thrives in ski event
Nicole Russell claimed the women's title in stunning Durban conditions in her fourth win of the 2016 Varsity College FNB Marine Surfski Series.
NICOLE Russell outshone a richly talented women’s field to claim the spoils in Friday evening’s Bay Union Surfski Challenge, her fourth race win of the 2016 Varsity College FNB Marine Surfski Series.
Russell continued her sublime run of form as she edged out fellow elite women’s racers and Fenn Kayaks team mates Kyeta Purchase and Jenna Ward, who enjoyed a titanic tussle of their own that produced yet another sprint for the line.
“The paddling talent among Durban’s ladies at the moment is just unbelievable and it makes for such exciting racing week in and week out! Every time you line up for a race, you know you have to give it your all and you just cannot afford to make any mistakes because the other girls will punish you for it straight away. It’s also great because a lot of us are training together and so it’s great to see everyone’s hard work paying off,” exclaimed Russell.
The ding-dong nature of each leg thus far of the Varsity College FNB Marine Surfski Series appears to have brought the best out of Russell, who is currently preparing for a big challenge during this year’s World Surfski Series.
In the men’s race, Hank McGregor bagged his second win on the bounce as he surged home ahead of Wade Krieger and a resurgent Grant van der Walt.
The doubles clash saw Zoog Haynes and Linton Hope clinch the spoils once more, charging home ahead of Jason Tucker and Brett Bartho, who in turn narrowly edged out winning mixed double crew Jason Ekstrand and Kerry Segal.
Luke Criticos claimed a rare win over Bailey de Fondaumiere in the junior boys’ category while Purchase’s effort at the sharp end of the women’s race saw her clinch the junior girls’ win as well.
The 4km short course race went the way of Keaton Riddle with Malcolm Pitt and Max Maunier winning the doubles race.
Next week’s FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon from Thursday, 18 to Saturday, 20 February sees a change from the Varsity College FNB Marine Surfski Series’ regular Friday evening slot with the Lettie Paddle Surfski Challenge instead at 5.30pm on Tuesday, 16 February at Marine SLC, Addington Beach.
