McGregor goes from strength to strength, winning two weekend races

In an historic double, Hank McGregor and Lee Furby claimed a strong victory at the 2017 Gara Dolphin Coast Challenge as they repeated their 2016 triumph and at the same time claimed the South African doubles title on Saturday and Sunday.

It was a busy weekend for McGregor as he also won the Pietermaritzberg leg of the Euro Steel McGregor Paddle Series – named after him – on Friday.

The race broke records in terms of development paddlers with over 70 young paddlers from various academies around KZN taking part in the event, something that is close to McGregor’s heart.

“To encourage youngsters to get involved in the sport and become consistent competitors is the goal.

“We might have a future world champion here, but to get people of all abilities and all backgrounds together and racing makes this series unique,” a proud McGregor added.

Also read: McGregor’s paddling series hits Durban

After winning Friday’s event, McGregor headed off to the two-day Gara Dolphin Coast Challenge, which saw paddlers take on an out and back route from the Durban Underwater Club on Saturday and McGregor and Furby dominated from the outset as they went into the second day with a 20 second advantage.

Having got themselves a solid advantage McGregor and Furby knew that they just had to consolidate on the second day. The finish on Sunday came down to an end sprint with the eventual race winners pipping Luke Nisbet and Steve Woods to consecutive stage wins.

“It is great to defend our Gara Dolphin Coast Challenge title,” McGregor said after the race.

“I am really happy with how we went and I am also really happy that I managed to retain my SA doubles title.”

McGregor’s partner Furby was the recipient of his first national title, and despite the prestige it was only a by-product of two days of strong racing.

“I never had a goal of winning a national title because it was never a possibility for me,” said Furby.

“It was incredible to paddle behind an athlete like Hank and I don’t think that South African paddlers realise how good he is!

“We had a tough two days with very little help from the ocean but to take the title for a second year in the row is a great feeling.”

Also read: McGregor back to winning ways

It was a solid performance from Luke Nisbet and Steve Woods who pushed the leaders for as long as possible but had to settle for second place over the two days of intense racing.

Salt Rock’s surf, the finish venue of the second day, has been known to dish up a few late dramas and despite the fairly benign conditions at sea the shore break at Salt Rock claimed a fair few victims.

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