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Heaps on the go at the moment, so let's whip the cork out of the bottle and let it all out.
Over the next three weeks, we will have two national teams representing the country, at two separate world championships, in disciplines where we are one of the leading nations in the world.
First up is the ICF Marathon World Championships, taking place in Metkovic, Croatia, which will be kicking off on Thursday morning with the K1 Junior women at 9am (fortunately Croatia is in the same time zone as South Africa), followed by the short course heats and finals for both men and women.
Before that, however, the masters will have an opportunity to lift some silverware.
The masters world marathon championships starts this morning (Monday) with the K1 events (including all age groups for both men and women), followed tomorrow with the K2 events.
South African masters paddlers have traditionally always be able to bring a healthy haul of medals home from the world marathon championships, and this year, we would expect nothing different.
First up today will be the K1 men 65-69 yrs old at 9am. Thereafter will follow an entire day of K1 racing incorporating the various age groups.
Unfortunately, unlike last year, there will be no live streaming of the masters races. However, we have a number of helpers who will be assisting with constant updates, with photos and video clips. So, check in on our social media platforms if you wish to keep tabs on developments.
Get masters schedule and results updates here
With our national team of juniors, U23's and seniors, there are a myriad of stories within the team story:
• How will Hank fare, at his age, against the faster youngsters? With his vast number of world champs medals and titles, he will need to lean on his wily tactical expertise. He has proven, over the years, that he cannot ever be discounted. He will be racing in both the K1 and K2 events and he has achieved wins in both, at the same championships before.
• With his superb result at the recent Olympics, will Hamish be in a position to dominate in the short course K1? Have he and Andy managed the transition from sprint training back to marathon training? With their improved speed, will they be in a position to dictate the strategy of the K2 men's group?
• With age on his side, and a pedigree that would be the envy of most, Andy must be expected to be a firm podium favourite in the K1. His disciplined training protocol will stand him in good stead against the best in the world (again).
• Will Mads Pedersen try to blow the field away and go off on his own again, or will the his opposition realise that they will need to react a lot quicker?
• In her current sublime form, will Georgia Singe have gained enough confidence to realise that she could be on the podium (at least) of the junior K1? After their unexpected K2 win last year, brought about by a blinder of a final portage and a tenacious hang on to the end, will she and Holly be able to manage the mantel of favourites (and "team to beat")?
• Uli is in his final year as an U23. He has been mixing it with the seniors in many of our local races, often coming out on top. If it were not for an unfortunate mishap, which led to a swim last year, he could well already have a title in the bag. Hopefully, this year, he will get his chance at redemption.
• Saskia and Christie both walked away with bronze medals in their respective K1 races last year (U23 and senior). They both had superb races, against very strong opposition. Will they repeat their podium excursions? If so, will the medal colour change? As a combination in the senior K2, will they be able to harness two superb pedigrees into a result?
• After a reality check of an 11th place in their inaugural world champs experience last year, Jared Shrimpton and Ryley Smith are my picks for a surprise result later in the week in the junior men's K2 (no pressure). Their recent domestic results, as well as some racing maturity, will hopefully ensure that their necks are slightly weighed down on the flight home.
I know that I will get it in the neck for having left someone off the list. As a country, we are so fortunate to have the degree of marathon talent that we have. If the results prove different, I will be ecstatic to be accused of failing to mention a medallist.
The events will be live steamed on the ICF YouTube platform. It is a "pay as you go" affair. So don't get caught fumbling around with keyboard five minutes before the start of the race you wish to watch. The subscription lasts for a month (after which you can merely cancel). This will last long enough to cover the ICF Ocean Racing Championships, which will be held in Madeira on the October 4-6
Get the schedule and results updates here
The event website is here
A number of the marathon team members have also qualified for the Ocean Racing (Surfski) team. For many, it will be quite a long stint in Europe.
Onto the local front, and events that have just been and are about to happen:
One of the premier K2 races in the country, the Breede River marathon, was held last weekend.
It was the 56th running of this Western Cape classic, hosted by the Milnerton Canoe Club, and it doubled as the WP K2 river championships.
Hank McGregor and Uli Hart used it as a warm up race for the world marathon champs next week.
Despite a spirited challenge from Clint Cook and recent Berg winner, Tom Lovemore, they managed to hold onto a slender lead.
There was no need for an end sprint in the women's race, with Melanie Van Niekerk and Kira Bester putting a bit more than daylight between themselves and second place Candice Starr and Stephanie Von der Heyde.
The premier river race in Gauteng will take place on the weekend between the world marathon champs and the world ocean racing champs.
The Standard Bank Liebenbergsvlei Challenge will take place on September 28-29.
With guaranteed, and clean, water, coupled with the infectious enthusiasm of the organisers, this race is a must for all Gauteng paddlers and visitors alike.
A number of the world marathon contenders, will, most likely rush back for the event.
The organising committee for the 2025 ICF World Ocean Racing committee has been making phenomenal progress, with an imminent announcement of a healthy sponsorship.
Don't leave it too late, get your skis out and start flapping your arms around.
For many, this may be the only world championships you ever get to participate in.
Best make it worth it. |
