Andy and Abby take top Dusi race titles
Scores of supporters gathered at the finish line to cheer on the paddlers racing in this year's Dusi.
AFTER three flawless days of paddling and running, Andy Birkett and Abby Solms took the men’s and women’s titles at the 2017 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon at Blue Lagoon on Saturday.
Andy Birkett didn’t put a foot wrong during his three-day 120km race down to Durban. He is now tied with seven Dusi victories with the Dusi Duke, Martin Dreyer.
“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,” explained Andy.
“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 do a bit of kite surfing!”
The race for second place ended half way up the gruelling Burma Road portage as Shongweni’s Sbonelo Khwela powered past Hank McGregor.
“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 and to come second ahead of a guy like Hank McGregor is a great feeling,” Khwela said.
“To keep focused on my own race today was very important to me and to not chase Hank on the dam. I kept my cool and it worked for me!”
Abby’s performance was unrivalled as she led the women’s race from the first portage on the opening day to the finish line.
“I think I feel more relief than anything at the moment,” said Abby at the finish line. “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 achieved exactly what I wanted.”
Bridgitte Hartley went into the final day in second and might have had the edge over the dam with her flat-water prowess, however, when the paddlers were on their feet it was Christie Mackenzie who came into her own.
Hundreds of paddlers set off from Camps Drift on Thursday not entirely sure of what the three days of paddling would have in store for them due to the water levels and difficult environmental issues to consider. As is Dusi tradition, paddlers embraced the experience positively at the finish on Saturday.
“It was fantastic to see the unbelievable turnout of paddlers and spectators. We congratulate all the participants, especially the winners who showed impressive resilience all the way to the finish line,” said Howard Arrand, KZN’s provincial head of FNB business.
