One of the earliest entrants for the 2013 edition of the N3TC Drak Challenge was 2010 and 2011 women’s race champion Abby Adie, who is eyeing her third Drak title.
After her performance in the recent Ibis Point to Dip Tank Dusi seeding race, where she took home the ladies title by an emphatic seven minutes, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Adie is on form and means business this season.
While Adie will be aiming to reclaim the Drak title from 2012 Champ and Team Best 4/Kayak Centre team mate, Robyn Kime, she is quick to state that no one should ever count out Hilary Pitchford.
“Obviously Robyn will always be my strongest rival, but Hilary’s amazing river skills will always make her a threat, especially on a low river.”
Heading into her ninth Drak Challenge outing, Adie shares the secret to her racing success on the Umzimkulu:
“On Day one consistency is key – the person that makes the least mistakes will always finish in the lead. On Day two the trick is to be able to hold your lead with it being a longer and flatter day.”
Even though Adie will be head down and in race mode during the Drak Challenge, she still takes the time to appreciate this unique race.
“I love the section from Scotston’s bridge to the finish – I have had really good luck there in my past few races! The first day in the gorge is also always fun but it is the early stages of racing and so it is also stressful.”
“The beauty of the Drak is you never know what to expect because the level is completely determined by rainfall. This, combined with the bonus of racing on a clean river, and taking part in a race where the whole community gets involved, makes the Drak Challenge a really fun and exciting event!”
The N3TC Drak Challenge 2013 starts on 19 January at Castleburn outside Underberg and finishes on 20 January at Early Mist Farm close to Coleford.
More information can be found here.
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