50 Miler form guide for 2015 Dusi

With McGregor committed to stepping away from the competitive Dusi K1 race to race in a mixed double with his wife Pippa, the 36 year old Durbanite says the format of the 50 Miler favoured his strengths and also provided valuable insight into the key top Dusi challengers current form.

McGregor led a three boat charge to the overnight stop below the Marianni Foley Causeway, but gave himself little chance overall as the second stage included the daunting steep three kilometre portage over Nqumeni Hill.

True to form he led into the portage, and then watched as first Andy Birkett and then 2013 Dusi champ Lance Kime overtook him on the climb, followed by reigning K2 champ Khwela and Dusi veteran Thulani Mbanjwa.

However once back on the low level uMngeni River McGregor quickly reeled in Khwela and Mbanjwa and the trio set about catching Birkett and Kime before the headwater of Inanda dam.

First Mbanjwa and then Kime fell off the hot pursuit and the 4km dam leg saw McGregor take charge in a three way arm-wrestle with Birkett and Khwela. McGregor used the fabled end-sprint that has helped him to five world flatwater marathon titles to claim the victory.

"The 50 Miler is a paddling race which suited me," said McGregor. "Once it came down to the end-sprint I felt really comfortable. Andy (Birkett) tried to come at me a few times, but that really is my zone. I really like the flatwater racing."

McGregor however said the see-saw race provided a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses that the top Dusi title contenders are showing at this key stage in their preparations.

""Eric (Sbonelo Khwela) was paddling so well, he was super strong. His paddling has improved a lot," noted McGregor.

"Andy (Birkett) has the edge over him in terms of pure speed on the water I think, but Andy is a lot heavier than he has been for any of his previous Dusis. He is going to have to do a lot of running training and shed a little weight if he wants to win this one. I think it will be between these two."

Birkett was not phased by finishing second to a man who isn't contesting the Dusi title in February.

"I am happy where I am right now," said Birkett. "I have just to get the running better and avoid any injuries now."

"Sbonelo (Khwela) did catch up two minutes from Nqumeni Hill, not just on the run but on the water as well which is pretty amazing," he added.

The women's title fell to Abby Adie, bouncing back from an off-colour performance at the recent Ozzie Gladwin to ensconce herself as the favourite for the 2015 K1 women's Dusi title.

Behind her, her K2 partner from the recent World Marathon Championships Laura O'Donaghue staged an impressive stage two fightback to overtake Jenna Ward to claim second place, reminding Adie that she will be snapping at her heels coming Dusi time in February.

Michaelhouse junior Alan Houston showed why many are touting him for the junior K1 title with a solid twelfth place overall.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS
LETTIE PADDLE 50 MILER
MEN
1 Hank McGregor 3:40:35.23
2 Andy Birkett 3:40:36.08
3 Sbonelo Khwela 3:40:43.02
4 Lance Kime 3:41:32.89
5 Thulani Mbanjwa 3:46:20.20
6 Owen Gandar 3:51:40.89
7 Loveday Zondi 3:55:18.98
8 Thando Ngamlana 3:55:22.96
9 Nkosikayise Cele 3:55:25.14
10 Murray Starr 3:55:26.65
11 Zonele Nzuza 3:55:27.48
12 Alan Houston 3:55:31.48
13 Don Wewege 3:57:34.69
14 Banesti Nkhoesa 3:57:45.27
15 Carl Folscher 3:57:48.32
16 Murray Haw 3:59:21.77
17 Travis Wilson 4:01:30.92
18 Lucas Mthalane 4:01:33.11
19 Kwanda Mhlophe 4:01:34.23
20 Khumbulani Nzimande 4:01:34.75

WOMEN
1 Abby Adie 4:05:37.17
2 Laura O'Donoghue 4:13:24.19
3 Jenna Ward 4:18:02.55
4 Tamika Haw 4:30:58.55
5 Jordan Peek 4:33:57.34
6 Danica Bartho 4:40:11.25
7 Bianca Haw 4:40:23.27
8 Cana Peek 4:47:13.68
9 Lauren Felgate 4:58:12.19
10 Natasha Bulbring 5:05:42.75

The 64th edition of the Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Blue Lagoon in Durban from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 February 2015. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za