30 Aug 2016

Written by: Nick Tatham

Late entry from Van Gysen’s for Breede 2016

Robertson – As final entries continue to stream in for the 2016 Breede River Canoe Marathon a spur of the moment decision from Simon and Kim van Gysen will see the classy paddling couple take on the two day race taking place from Robertson to Swellendam this weekend.

The Van Gysen’s motored their way to a mixed title at the 2015 Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon ending just outside the top 20 which would suggest that they could head into the weekends clash with a favourites tag over their heads however Simon thinks otherwise.

“I haven’t paddled since Berg and I don’t think Kim has got in a boat since Fish last year so we aren’t going to be taking the race too seriously this weekend – we are both really unfit!” Van Gysen said with a chuckle.

“We just decided on Monday that we would enter the race and we are looking forward to enjoying a good weekend away paddling through some of the Cape’s best countryside.

“Our young son comes along with us to most races and he loves the water so the important thing is to try and keep him out of it!”

Following an intense duel at the 2016 Berg River Canoe Marathon, where Van Gysen ended second behind Hank McGregor, he has been focusing on his running with the Cape Town Marathon coming up soon but with a race happening so close to home it was a simple decision for Van Gysen to enter him and his wife into the Breede.

“I think I have done about ten or twelve Breede’s in the past and I love the race. It has its own unique elements which make it a great race and Kim and I are looking forward to it despite the fact that we have not done any of the pre-races.

“We don’t get many really good races in our own back yard so I think it is important that we take advantage of this opportunity.

“The race takes place in the winelands so we like to take the chance to go and get some good wine and food from the farms that surround the overnight stop.

“Having some of the best wine farms in the Cape so close to us on Saturday means that there is more to the Breede than just paddling from Robertson to the finish.

“Many of the races that we do are certainly in the sticks but the Breede is stuck in the middle of wine country which gives it an added appeal,” Van Gysen explained.

Simon has the responsibility of steering the pair and their craft safely down the river in 2016 and despite a slight slip up at the Hansa Fish in 2015 he will retain the honours – despite trying to hand his wife Kim the reigns.

“We wanted to finish in the top 20 at Fish but we had a bit of trouble at Cradock Weir and finished just outside the top 20.

“I have given Kim the opportunity to sit in the front of the boat and drive us but she refuses but when I make a mistake she wants to tell me what to do!” he said tongue in cheek.

“We race very well together and we are looking forward to two good, fun days of racing this weekend,” Van Gysen mentioned excitedly.

The 2016 Breede River Canoe Marathon, which doubles as the 2016 South African K3 Marathon Championships, takes place from Robertson to Swellendam on 3 and 4 September. More information can be found at www.breedemarathon.co.za

ENDS