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McGregor bags maiden FNB Durban Downwind success??

McGregor bags maiden FNB Durban Downwind success??

Date: 2016-07-01
South African paddling icon Hank McGregor overcame sickness, flat conditions as well as a strong local field to clinch his maiden FNB Durban Downwind win on Sunday while the in-form Nicole Russell claimed the World Surfski Series title event's women's crown. ?

Despite organisers' best efforts to stage the race in the best available wind conditions of the weekend, Mother Nature didn't come to the party as hoped and the 26km journey from La Mercy Beach to Marine Surf Lifesaving Club at Addington Beach was a testing one for all. ?

McGregor, having come close to victory in the race's debut in 2014, had little hassle second time around as he claimed a commanding triumph, racing home one minute and four seconds ahead of Matt Bouman.

"I'm glad to take the win this time around," said McGregor. "I narrowly lost it two years ago so it's nice to win the Durban Downwind for the first time. Conditions were pretty tough; there was hardly any assistance really so it was a hard slog for 26kms. ?

"I managed to get out in front early and then kept the guys behind me for the rest of the race - there weren't too many tactics involved really.

"I was in hospital on Friday so it was a hit and miss whether I was going to race but I'm glad I was able to get out there and it's nice to have gotten the win," added the Euro Steel/Epic Kayaks athlete.

"KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa's second largest economy and is well positioned in the tourism and sporting sectors," commented Howard Arrand, FNB Business - KZN Provincial Head.

"We relish the opportunity to be involved with the Durban Downwind event as the sport continues to grow in popularity as one of the key activities in the province and the South African sporting calendar. ?

"Congratulations to all those who took part in the race as well as the families, spectators and the various communities who showed their support," he added. ?More information can be found atwww.durbandownwind.co.za.