Hansa Powerade Drak Challenge Media Release

 No: drak0902

2 Feb 2009

Grant van der Walt wants to go one better in Drak Challenge

Underberg - Johannesburg teenager Grant van der Walt has confirmed his entry for the Drakensberg Challenge, and his deep seated desire to go one better than the startling second place he secured in last years race.

Van Der Walt rewrote the record books last year with ht best ever finish in the tough two day race by a junior paddler when he shook off Ant Stott in the dice for the line during the closing stages of the race that was won by Len Jenkins.

“I’ve finally got back into the swing of things since the December holidays,” said Van Der Walt. “I’ve stepped up the training and I’m all set for the Drak Challenge.”

Van Der Walt hit world headlines when he won the junior world marathon championship K1 title in 2007, and showed more of that form with a podium finish in the Hansas Powerade Fish marathon, a race that he went on to win with Hank McGregor earlier this year, making him the youngest ever winner of the Fish marathon.

Van Der Walt did not compete in the Dusi, and has not had to deal with problems associated with coming off a training peak, as paddlers like Ant Stott and Michael Mbanjwa have, and is hoping to do significant training and tripping on the Umzimkulu river to prepare for the race.

“I will be going up to compete in the Mixed Doubles race the weekend before Drak so I’ll be tripping the river then,” said Van Der Walt. “I will be getting to Underberg on the Friday before the Drak Challenge and will check the river out then as well,” he added.

2009 may well be the year that Van Der Walt scoops a major senior title, having come very close in the Fish, Drak and Tracker Challenge marathons However he is excited about the very strong field that is entering this years Drak Challenge.

“Dawid Mocké will definitely a great competition if he’s coming up from the Cape and so will Ant Stott,” said the teenager who rated the Drak as his favourite race of the year. “I love the Drak! It’s different from other races as it’s so clean and social, although it’s not any less competitive!”
 
The Drakensberg Challenge takes place in Underberg on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February. More information can be found at www.drak.co.za

ENDS

Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media

Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media

Anthony Grote/
Gameplan Media