As the Early Bird entries for the 2020 Dusi Canoe Marathon from 27 to 29 February closed, a significant number of elite stars have put their hands up, signalling an early commitment to the country’s best-known paddling event.
The gradual rehabilitation of the ecological damage done by the August 13th industrial spill into the Baynespruit has not dampened enthusiasm for the Dusi, and despite the race moving several weeks later in the season, confirmed entries to date have given a first sighting of K2 crews with the potential to threaten the podium.
Amongst the early Dusi entries is seven-times champion Martin Dreyer, who has entered with his wife Jeannie, after thoroughly enjoying her Dusi debut in last year’s mixed doubles race with her husband.
The die-hard adventure sport couple proved they are in good early season form by winning the mixed doubles category in the recent Umpetha Challenge.
A scan of the over 120 entries processed so far also reveals the entry of Olympic bronze medallist Bridgitte Hartley as a K1 entry.
Hartley Eager to Challenge for Dusi Honours
The Euro Steel ace, who made history this year by becoming the first female to represent South Africa at the sprint, marathon and surfski world championships in the same year, was quick point out that she isn’t planning to take on the three days and 120km in a single kayak.
While her early entry comes at a discounted rate and put her in line to win Early Bird prizes, her entry is more a statement of intent to post a very strong challenge for the Dusi title that has so far eluded her.
Hartley is in the process of confirming her partner for the women’s K2 race, but felt that getting in an early entry was the start of her dedicated Dusi training programme and the tough running regime that will be required to be competitive in the women’s race.
Of the women’s K2 crews entered, the most interesting is that of the Epworth schoolgirls Shannon Parker-Dennison and Frances Forsythe, who were impressive in winning the women’s title outright at the Umpetha Challenge.
The 2020 Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place for 27 to 29 February 2020. Entry details and more information can be found at www.dusi.co.za
Photo 1 Caption: Bridgitte Hartley has put in a K1 entry for the 2020 Dusi season while she confirms her partner for the K2 championship race. Photo: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media
With editing by gsport
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