McGregor shows Dusi form with Ozzie Hat-trick

HANK McGregor framed himself as a serious MyLife Dusi contender with an emphatic win in the Lighthouse Designs Ozzie Gladwin, making it a hat-trick of wins at the popular race on the upper uMngeni River.

Racing against a men’s field brimming with a number of Dusi challengers, the 43 year-old Euro Steel racer McGregor broke away at the front with former Dusi winner Thulani Mbanjwa of the MyLife team and fast-rising star Stew Little.

The trio raced away across the Gumtree Flats, and when they had to exit the river for a compulsory portage around a tree-block below the Wartberg Road bridge, McGregor made his move and cantered away over the last three kilometres of river to post his third win in a row at this popular race.

“Being so close to Dusi – the Ozzie is normally the first big race of the year and now it is just before the Dusi – I am really happy to take the win,” said McGregor.

ALSO READ: McGregor claims weekend spoils

“I have also just enjoyed racing again and appreciating the races when we get the opportunity. We all got hit quite hard with Covid and to race today with perfect weather and a full river, and to be able to paddle across the dam at the start with top paddlers, makes me really happy,” he added.

McGregor said his sights were now firmly on the MyLife Dusi starting on 18 March.

“It is such an awesome event so I plan to just enjoy the vibe,” he said. “Dusi is such a big part of our culture in paddling so I am stoked to be involved and participating.”

A big field of close on 400 paddlers took part in ideal mild conditions with good water flow in the uMngeni River, making it an ideal final preparation for the MyLife Dusi in ten days’ time.

Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple