McGregor tames Hong Kong Dragon

Flatwater marathon world champion, Ballito resident Hank McGregor, churned his way to a record-breaking victory in the 2013 Steelcase Dragon Run surfski race in Hong Kong on Saturday.
McGregor, one of five South Africans to finish in the top eight, was both relieved and surprised to beat the record by an incredible two minutes.
Having battled his way to a shock seventh position at the inaugural ICF Surfski World Championships in Portugal earlier this year, McGregor felt the victory this weekend was a sweet tasting comeback performance in a tougher race, given the presence of the likes of Australian Jeremy Cotter and fellow South African ace Dawid Mocké.
“It was a fantastic race to win because everyone was there, even the guys who boycotted the world champs,” said McGregor.
The dangerous Cotter, who eventually finished fourth, was the man McGregor had kept a close eye on for much of the tussle.
“Jeremy (Cotter) was over my left shoulder after I got a lead at around the 12 kilometer mark, and I was continually checking to see where he was,” said Mcgregor.
“By the time we got to the last turn at Kissing Whales I had a lead of about 250m and that was when I knew that I had it in the bag, unless a typhoon got in the way!”
The last five kilometres into the finish were basically flat. You can see the finish from some way out and if you are feeling tired there is absolutely nowhere to hide. Fortunately I was feeling pretty good and I was able to really enjoy the last kilometre and then it was a great feeling to finally cross the line,” he added.