ACHES and pains got the better of half of the Dusi winning combination of Andy Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi, forcing the latter to tackle the challenge alone. Birkett and Zondi’s partnership started at last year’s Non-Stop Dusi after racing to victory in record time.
“I can’t express how happy I am to have won Dusi,” explained an elated Zondi. “But to try to win both this year’s Dusi and Non-Stop with Andy (Birkett) would have been amazing.”
Birkett confirmed a plaguing foot injury needs time to rest, especially ahead of his busy next few months.
“(Sbonelo) has been trying to persuade me to do Non-Stop with him ever since we got together to celebrate our Dusi win on Sunday after the race,” chuckled Birkett.
“Our goal was to win Dusi though and I am really satisfied having achieved that. I also want to give marathon a full go again this year.”
Despite the defending champion partnership having been broken temporarily, Zondi confirmed he will still take to the uMsunduzi and uMngeni Rivers again in just a few days time and will go after his fourth Non-Stop title in five years and his maiden K1 victory.
While some of the traditional Dusi route is cut out from the gruelling Non-Stop course, shortening the journey slightly, the task of paddling and running from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in one day is a treacherous one nonetheless.
Participants are required to be completely self-sufficient and, with only the help of their seconders, must ensure they keep themselves hydrated and nourished throughout with the first boat across the finish line, regardless of whether it is a K1 or K2, being crowned the winner.
The Non Stop Dusi starts on Friday 28 February.
