Hansa Powerade Drak Challenge Media Release

 No: drak0803

15 Feb 2008

Miedema confirms defence of her Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge title.

Underberg – The reigning “Dusi Queen’ Abbey Miedema has confirmed that she will be on the startline for the Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge next weekend to defend the title she won last year.

The cheerful 28 year from Cape Town has completed a stellar month of river racing in KwaZulu-natal that saw her retain her Hansa Powerade Dusi title with Alexa Lombard, and then romp home to win the women’s division of the tough Stihl Non-Stop Dusi with Laura Thompson.

“I can’t wait for the Drak, it is one of my favourite races of the year,” she enthused. Miedema won the 2007 women’s title in demanding low river conditions, which look very unlikely to be repeated this year, as heavy rains in the Southern Drakensberg have left the Umzimkulu River swollen and fast-flowing.

“I love the fact that this race is entirely dependent on the prevailing weather and rainfall for its water, as it introduces an element of the unknown each year, and makes each race a different challenge to the year before.”

Miedema was elated at clinching the women’s title in 2007, as it settled her frustrations at her 2006 challenge that ended when she broke her paddle at the nasty Glenhaven rapid, ending a thrilling duel with eventual winner Carol Joyce.

“There is something special about the Drak,” Miedema added. “It’s a major race, and attracts all the top paddlers, but there is a special fun vibe to the whole event. The water is so clean as well, which makes a big difference. I also love spending time in Underberg.”

“It’s a unique challenge. The stages are shorter, but the river is technically demanding. The rapids in the three gorges are pretty much non-stop, and require thought to make sure you don’t make any mistakes. To do well in the Drak you have to be a pretty accomplished river racer,” she added.

Miedema will line up alongside the talented river racing stars Robyn Kime, Tiffany Kruger, and Emma Gilmer, while there is still a chance that Alexa Lombard will enter during the week of the race, as she is travelling to KwaZulu-Natal for the annual Subaru sani2c cycle race, which she is doing with Miedema.

The Hansa Powerade Drakensberg Challenge takes place in Underberg on 23 and 24 February. More information is available on the race website at www.drak.co.za

ENDS

MyPicture.com

MyPicture.com

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media