McGregor masters the wind to claim SA title

Hank McGregor mastered the treacherous windy conditions at Zandvlei to win the Prescient SA Marathon Championships on Saturday, setting him up for a bid at winning another world title in Germany in September.
McGregor outsprinted his Euro Steel team mate Andy Birkett to claim the title and reverse the outcome of last year’s title race, both paddlers earning their selection for the South African team to the world title decider in Brandenberg.
“I am stoked with this win,” said McGregor. “There were five boats together coming into the last turn and the tough conditions asked a lot of questions.
Birkett did well to secure the silver, after falling out of his kayak twice during the race, with former Under 23 World Champ Brandon van der Walt wrapping up the last spot on the podium.
The women’s title fell to surfski specialist Nikki Russell, in a thrilling duel with local racer Bianca Beavitt.
Earlier Louis Hattingh won the men’s Under 23 title, while his partner to the 2014 junior K2 world title Jean van der Westhuyzen romped to victory in the Under 18 category.
Jenna Ward, a double world champs bronze medallist, downed a gutsy Melanie van Niekerk to claim the Under 23 women’s title, with MacSquad team mate Kyeta Purchase equally impressive winning the junior title.
The K2 racing takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Senior Men
1.Hank McGregor
2.Andy Birkett
3.Brandon van der Walt

Senior Women
1.Nikki Russell
2.Bianca Beavitt
Under 23 Men
1.Louis Hattingh

Under 23 Women
1.Jenna Ward
2.Melanie van Niekerk
3.

Under 18 Boys
1.Jean van der Westhuyzen 1:36:34
2.Mark Keeling 1:38:19
3.Bailey de Fondamiere 1:43:29

Under 18 Girls
1.Kyeta Purchase 1:30:12
2.Christie McKenzie 1:32:49
3.Sabina Lawrie 1:33:23

Under 16 Boys
1.Hamish McKenzie 1:46:35
2.Sibusiso Chwayi 1:48:55
3.Dave Evans 1:49:25

Under 16 Girls
1.Keagen Keiser 1:36:11
2.Hannah Percival 1:50:45
3.Amy Peckett 1:59:42

For more information visit www.canoesa.org.za

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