The Unlimited International paddlers put the hammer down on the second and final day of the Hansa Fish Canoe Marathon on Saturday. After a disappointing day one, which included a number of swims in the rapids, Jakub Adam and Michael Odvarko from Czechoslovakia made up a number of positions between them, but fell short of being up at the front with the likes of Hank McGregor and Len Jenkins.
In the photo: Michael Odvarko is seen taking on The Hansa Fish Canoe Marathon on Saturday 6 October
Adam finished 15th and Odvarko 19th.
In what must be one of the best fields ever put together for the Fish Canoe Marathon, the South African paddlers showed the Europeans what river racing is all about – especially white water.
“We always had great respect for the South African paddlers who must be one of the top three river racing countries in the world, but now we have a new respect after competing against them here,” said Adam.
His fellow countryman, Odvarko said that it was great experience for the two who are in South Africa for a development initiative and to race a number of races peaking for The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon in February.
Jenkins held McGregor out to finish first after a fiercely contested battle during the closing stages of the race keeping his K1 unbeaten record intact.
“There is much to prepare for. What with Mbanjwa, who runs like the wind, and the likes of McGregor, Jenkins, Stott and Birkett in the big rapids we have a lot of preparation ahead of us if we are to make the top 20 in the Dusi,” said Odvarko.
The Czechs found paddling with pedals and a rudder difficult to get used to as they use nothing but a T-bar in Europe.
The two will compete in The Unlimited Ozzie Gladwin at Albert Falls outside Pietermaritzburg on November 11, which canoeing pundits say is more suited to them.
“Jakub and Michael have learnt a lot from their debut in the Fish and the good that comes out of it is that they realise the preparation that is necessary before they take on the mighty Dusi early next year. They will be training with development paddlers on the Dusi route and will swop paddling techniques with the likes of Michael Mbanjwa who has a huge amount of Dusi experience” said Craig Mustard, manager of the team.
“We are very happy to be here with our South African friends and we are looking forward to helping and being helped for the Dusi. We are aware that international paddlers don’t perform well there, but we now know why and will do everything in our power to be right up there come race day. I guess it is Czechmate for now, but we will be back” said Adam with a cautious grin.