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Abbey Miedema
surrenders dreams of Drak Challenge hat-trick
Underberg
- “Dusi Queen” Abbey Miedema will not become the first woman to win a hat
trick of titles in the prestigious Drakensberg Challenge Canoe marathon,
after her confirmation this week that she will not be on the startline in
Underberg on Saturday 21 February because she is emigrating to Canada.
The affable 29 year old won her third successive Dusi women’s K1 title in
January, her sixth Dusi title overall in a career that has seen her dominate
the major river marathons on the domestic calendar. She won the Drakensberg
Challenge title in tricky low conditions in 2007 and again last year in more
forgiving moderate river conditions.
“I am really sad that I won’t be able to make it to the Drak this year,”
said Miedema. “I love this race. It is always competitive and attracts the
best river paddlers, but somehow it is raced in a really relaxed kind of
vibe, which we all enjoy. It is unique in that aspect.”
Miedema’s decision to relocate to Canada to settle down with her adventure
racing boyfriend Chad Ulansky in Canada will leave a distinct void in the
women’s marathon racing set-up, and sees her end her successful run at the
Drak Challenge alongside five other women who have won the race twice.
Alexa Cole, (formerly Lombard) won it in successive years in 2004 and 2005,
Lorna Oliver has victories in 1996 and 2002 to her credit, Antje Manfroni
won the women’s title in 1995 and in 2000 with her K2 partner Jeanette
Walder, who also won the race in 1998.
“I love being in Underberg, and the tripping and training before the Drak
Challenge each year was one of my favourite times of the year,” Miedema
added.
With the women’s race wide open, Alexa Cole is almost certain to be on
startline come 21 February. The talented Capetonian will be spending time in
the Underberg ahead of the Sani 2 C mountain bike race, and will be a top
contender for the women’s title.
The Drakensberg Challenge takes place in Underberg on Saturday 21 and Sunday
22 February. More information can be found at
www.drak.co.za
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