Pre-race favourites and defending champions Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk once again proved too strong for their opposition to win the women’s category of the 27km Prescient Freedom Paddle around Robben Island, finishing first in 2:20:20 at the Oceana Power Boat Club in Cape Town on Monday, 27 April 2026.
The defending champions had to dig deep to see off the challenge of UK U23 World Champion Rosie Edwards and KZN’s Saskia Hockly, who closed in by taking a tighter line around the famous landmark to come back into contention by the 18km mark.
“We got to the island first and we thought we had dropped them, but at about kilometre 18 they suddenly popped up on our inside. They had taken a shorter line around the island.”
2026 Prescient Freedom Paddle Champion, Kira Bester
“We then just had to put down the hammer and it was a hard grind … and I’m a bit sick at the moment, so I’m feeling a bit broken now,” said Bester after the race.
Holly Smith and Jade Wilson rounded out the women’s podium in third in 2:27:00.
In the mixed doubles race, Pippa McGregor and Hank McGregor were in a league of their own, crossing the finish line in 2:07:25 to win their category by almost 14 minutes.
Esti Olivier Dominates at the SA Sprint Canoe Champs to Launch Her LA28 Campaign in Style
Hilary Bruss and Bridgitte Hartley Paddle to 2025 South African K2 Triumph
Jade Wilson Medals at Canoe Marathon World Champs in Hungary
Jenna Nisbet Wraps Up Her Third Berg River Canoe Marathon Title
Kira Bester Powers Away to win 2025 SA Ocean Racing Champs Title in False Bay
‘Sponsorship Helps in So Many Ways Besides it just being Money’ – Former Paralympic Athlete Sandra Khumalo
Despite the dominant margin, it was no cruise to victory, and the multiple canoe marathon world champions finished seventh overall after racing alongside some of the pre-race favourites for much of the event.
Matthew Coetzer and Nicola Harcus took second in the mixed doubles in 2:21:11, with Stephanie von der Hyde and Ian Trautman completing the podium in 2:22:44.
Leading Elite 27km Prescient Freedom Paddle Results in Cape Town on Monday, 27 April, 2026
1. Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk 2:20:20
2. Rosie Edwards and Saskia Hockly 2:21:39
3. Holly Smith and Jade Wilson 2:27:00
Mixed Doubles
1. Pippa McGregor and Hank McGregor 2:07:25
2. Matthew Coetzer and Nicola Harcus 2:21:11
3. Stephanie von der Hyde and Ian Trautman 2:22:44
Original Copy: Tim Whitfield for Gameplan Media, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Pre-race favourites and defending champions Kira Bester and Melanie van Niekerk once again proved too strong for their opposition to win the women’s category of the 27km Prescient Freedom Paddle around Robben Island, finishing first in 2:20:20 at the Oceana Power Boat Club in Cape Town on Monday, 27 April 2026. Photo: Madison Malherbe / Lens of Nahoon / Gameplan Media
(+3 rating, 3 votes, rated)
Loading...
