DRAK CHALLENGE TITLES
Abby Solms in Drak seventh heaven
Solms becomes the Drak Challenge’s most-decorated paddler in its 24-year history with her seventh win
Underberg — Andy Birkett scooped his fourth N3TC Drak Challenge title as he out-sprinted reigning world champion Hank McGregor at the end of a riveting 65km canoe marathon that also entrenched Abby Solms as the race’s most successful paddler when she won her seventh title. From the first stage start at Castleburn on Saturday, it was clear the title race was between McGregor and Birkett, respectively the world’s No1 and No2 marathon paddlers, with McGregor delivering one of his fabled sprints at the end of the first stage to secure the overnight lead. With the duo still inseparable with less than a kilometre to go, McGregor looked to be holding all the cards, as the Euro Steel teammates approached Wake Up Rapid. "We were together the whole way — a game of patience and waiting for the other person to make a mistake," said Birkett.
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