Fine form sees Salt Rock paddler McGregor claim 3 from 4 national titles at SA Champs

Salt Rock’s Hank McGregor made it 3 from 4 national titles at the SA Champs in St Francis this past weekend.

After winning the double ski title with Hamish Lovemore in Durban on October 4, three more titles were up for grabs in St Francis.

Heavy wind conditions were the theme on Saturday and the ocean leg of the S1 single ski event had to be cancelled.

The paddlers had to stick to the Krom River and the St Francis canals to complete the 14km event, and McGregor was in fine form, taking the win over a strong field.

“There was a big swell that pulled into St Francis, so the racing was quite difficult. I was very happy to defend my title in the end against a group of good young guys,” said McGregor.

Sunday set the scene for a difficult fight between McGregor and Lovemore as they raced each other for the SA Marathon Championship.

The race did not disappoint and it was youth pitted against experience in perfect conditions.

McGregor opted for a wide left line near the finish of the race, hoping to find favourable currents in the canal, but the gamble did not pay off.

He finished third, a rare occurrence in his illustrious career, as Lovemore who is still an Under-23, took his first solo national title.

“I had to settle for third in the end after a tough day, the youngsters got the better of me in the final sprint,” said McGregor.

Competitors turned teammates again on Monday and the duo of McGregor and Lovemore paid dividends as they took the K2 Marathon title.

This made it three from 4 for both McGregor and Lovemore in this year’s shortened season, and sets the stage for a competitive battle between the two in future events.

“It was tough to race three days in a row, but it was a great event and nice to be back racing properly again,” concluded McGregor.

McGregor now turns his sights to the Freedom Paddle on October 24, which will see him racing around Robben Island in Cape Town.

The women’s race was won by Jenna Ward in 1:06:21.45.