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ONE week to go ... yes, just seven days until the start of the Berg River Canoe Marathon when the class of 2025 begins their journey from Paarl to Velddrif.
Last weekend’s final pre-Berg race from Gouda to Bridgetown gave the long-time Berg watchers a massive dose of deja-vu. The youngest ever winner of the Berg, 1991 champion Robbie Herreveld, showed he still harbours hopes of becoming the oldest winner as well.
At a sprightly 53, the six-time champion beat Dyllan Farrell and Heinrich Schloms to the top step of the podium and quietly let everyone know he is again an unlikely contender in the four-day race, and proved his second-placed finish 12 months ago was no fluke.
Last year the canoeing world was pleasantly surprised when Herreveld was in contention for a seventh Berg River title after matching Tom Lovemore for three of the four days. The final-day showdown was nullified when Herreveld fell ill before the final stage from Zoutkloof to Velddrif, and he had to settle for a superb, but disappointing, second position.
This year Robbie faces an even tougher battle with the current oldest winner, the ultra-competitive 47-year-old Hank McGregor, aiming for his 14th win, while Lovemore will feel positively under-age as he defends his title at “just 27”.
In the women’s race on Saturday, last year’s Berg River Marathon runner up, Neriyah Dill, laid down a marker when she convincingly beat three-time champion Bianca Beavitt by 11 minutes. Last year’s Berg River Marathon winner, Stephanie von der Hyde, was third on Saturday and all three will be in the field to fight for the women’s title.
However, the trio may find themselves struggling to find a place on the podium. Despite the withdrawal of two big names this week, the women’s race still looks to be one of the most fiercely contested in many years with two other former winners, Jenna Nisbet (Ward) and Christy Shrimpton, also aiming to add to their tally of Berg titles.
In the men’s race there is no shortage of former winners as well. Race contenders Herreveld, McGregor and Lovemore will be joined by three-time winner Jannie Malherbe, aiming for his 52nd finish, as well as Graham Monteith and Maynard Marais.
Pre-entries close on Monday at midnight with the race due to start at 9am at Market Street Bridge in Paarl. The overnight stops are scheduled to be at Zonquasdrift, Bridgetown and Zoutkloof. |
