Can Team Best 4 Kayak Centre captain Hank McGregor repeat his victory in the 2011 world marathon championships? The 34 year old Ballito star will start the title decider on Saturday as a favourite to bag a third world title.
McGregor won the gold medal at the World Champs in Singapore last year in emphatic fashion, which has left him as the favourite for the men’s senior K1 title. The 34 year old from Ballito is in the form of his life, having won a ninth Berg title in July and last week smashing the dice record at Blue Lagoon in a clear statement that he is perfectly prepared for the world title decider in the warm Rome weather.
He will have to get the better of a very strong field that includes compatriot Len Jenkins, Spaniard Ivan Alonso, who finished third last year in Singapore, Hungarian star Mäté Petrovics, Aussie Michael Leverett and Portugal’s José Ramalho. Spanish marathon icon Manuel Busto Fernandes will not be on the start line.
“This is a big priority for me,” said McGregor. “To win a world title when the best of the best are on the water with you is really special.”
“My build-up has been perfect, and now it is just a case of delivering on the day,” he added. “I am feeling good. I am nervous about what is about to happen but there is also lots of excitement.”