New K2 crew claim double win

TALENTED paddlers Andy Birkett and Khumbulani Nzimande formed a new K2 crew and laid down a bold marker ahead of the 2020 Dusi Canoe Marathon when they won the 50 Miler and the Mfula to Inanda races at the weekend.

The two races gave paddlers the perfect opportunity to test their skills on the middle section of the Dusi course. With a release of water from Henley Dam, the typical Dusi water conditions were replicated and gave crews a chance to test themselves against the river, portages and a strong field of aspirant Dusi K2 crews.

The 50 Miler takes on arguably the toughest river section of the Dusi. Paddlers had to navigate from Mission Rapid, through the Msundusi and Mngeni confluence to Mfula Store that included the infamous big three rapids, Gumtree, Thombi and Hippo Rocks.

ALSO READ: Dusi’s Taxi Rapid causes a stir

Andy and Khumbulani cruised to victory by more than two minutes at the 50 Miler on Saturday, ahead of Ant Stott and Carl Folscher, with Banetse Nkhoesa and Msawenkosi Mtolo in third. The feared duo, Sbonelo Khwela and Thulani Mbanjwa, finished in 10th place overall.

The women’s race was won by Jenna Ward and Kyeta Purchase with Bridgitte Hartley and Tracey Oellermann in second and Shannon Parker-Dennison and Frances Forsythe in third.

While Sunday’s race was less technical, the endurance of the paddlers was tested as they on the stretch of river from Mfula Store to Inanda Dam, more than 15km with no portages.

The race wasn’t a Dusi qualifier, however a number of the leading crews were present. Andy and Khumbulani claimed first place, Stew Little and Jacques Theron claimed second and the U23 pair, David Evans and Hamish Mackenzie, finished third.

Marathon stars Ward and Purchase showed their power as they cruised home to victory in the women’s race ahead of the under 18 crew of Johanna Hockley and Georgina Howard in second and Carol Reeves and Hillary Bruss in third.

The women’s racing over the weekend was without arguably the strongest Dusi combination in Christie Mackenzie and Cana Peek.

Mackenzie raced on Sunday in a K1 and finished fifth in the ladies race.

The next major Dusi seeding race is the Ozzie Gladwin which is takes place on 26 January.

ALSO READ: Funds flow in from paddling challenge

50 Miler Canoe Marathon

Overall:

1. Andy Birkett/Khumbulani Nzimande 2:41:58

2. Ant Stott/Carl Folscher 2:44:17

3. Banetse Nkhoesa/Msawenkosi Mtolo 2:45:15

Women:

1. Jenna Ward/Kyeta Purchase 3:21:11

2. Bridgitte Hartley/Tracey Oellermann 3:27:06

3. Shannon Parker-Dennison/Frances Forsythe (U18) 3:43:30

Mfula to Inanda

Overall:

1. Andy Birkett/Khumbulani Nzimande 56:14

2. Jacques Theron/Stewart Little 56:16

3. Hamish Mackenzie/David Evans (U23) 56:20

Women:

1. Jenna Ward/Kyeta Purchase 1:02:37

2. Johanna Hockly/Georgina Howard (U18) 1:05:20

3. Carol Reeves/Hillary Bruss 1:05:58

The 2020 Dusi Canoe Marathon will be held from 27 to 29 February. To enter, visit www.dusi.co.za.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

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 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.