Intentions made clear at Berg time trial

Intentions made clear at Berg time trial

The 2010 Windhoek Berg Canoe Marathon opened on a day that can only be classed as the best the Cape has to offer- sunny, windless, and not a cloud in the sky. The tension at the start line of today’s time trial was tangible, as the local Cape contingent led by Lance King are determined to see the end of the McGregor reign of dominance of the Berg.

Last year’s defending champion, Hank McGregor, did not in fact need to race today, as in Berg tradition, the previous year’s winner starts Day One first, in a row of his own, and so does not have to compete for a good starting position. McGregor, however, had something to prove. And prove it he did, finishing the 2km sprint 36 seconds ahead of the second placed Lance King.

Afterwards McGregor said, “I’m happy to have won the time trial, it shows me I’ve still got it. If it had been close, with less than ten seconds difference, I would be worried.”

Should McGregor claim the 2010 Windhoek Berg title, he will have seven titles to his name, beating the record six wins set by Berg King, Robbie Herreveld. When asked how important it is to claim his seventh Berg title, McGregor replied that “Every Berg title is as important as the others”.

Last year’s second placed paddler, Lance King, said that he has done everything he can to prepare for this year’s race and concluded by saying, “If Hank beats me this year, then he is the better man.”

With only four Elite lady paddlers competing, the women did not take part in today’s time trial. Contenders for the 2010 Ladies title include the defending champion from the University of Stellenbosch, Robyn Kime, who by her own admission is under trained.

Also looking to cause some ripples is top Durban surf ski paddler, Donna Winter, and the Ladies winner of the 2010 Swartland Canoe Marathon, Peninsula Canoe Club’s, Jemma Hofmeyr.