the ADT sponsored 'Marina da Gama Classic 16', that will be raced on Saturday 1st May, 2010, on Zandvlei and through the canals of Marina da Gama. DOWNLOAD RACE & ROUTE INFO HERE

Whilst there have already been a number of W.C.C.U. races this season, the 'Marina 16' is traditionally known as the REAL start of the season and, being a flat water race, tends to pull all sorts of paddlers out of the 'woodwork, or should that be, 'out of the water weed?!', as not only is it a hugely contested event amongst the top competitive paddlers in the province, but the middle-of-the-road paddlers, Fish 'n Chips paddlers, novice paddles and even paddlers on craft other than canoes - e.g. surf skis and even Dragon Boats, take part to make it the biggest canoe event (in craft numbers) in the Western Cape.

Added to it, is a very highly visible race as it is raced off over 3 laps of the course (see attachment) on Zandvlei and through the Marina da Gama canals and so has many excellent places on it for photographers to get outstanding pictures.

The question on most peoples lips then is "Who is the favourite/are the favourites?" and that is a very difficult question to answer, there being a number of paddlers already in top form.

Milnerton Canoe Club's Lance King, the 2099 Senior President's Trophy winner was looking in outstanding form at last night's Peninsula Canoe Club Time trial, but he was put under pressure by Jasper Mocke (WSK) and then there are the paddlers who did duty at S.A. Canoe Sprint championships in KZN last weekend - in particular the new PCC signings of Shaun Rubenstein and Michael Arthur - will their World Cup sprint training programme allow them to go for a 16 km blast? - also, Gavin White (PCC), the evergreen Graeme Solomon (PCC) and Pierre-Andre Rabie (Maties) can all bring home the glory.

Amongst the women paddlers, Robyn Kime (Maties) seems to be way clear of the rest of the ladies field, but as it will be home waters for Jackie Barnes (UCT), she shouldn't be left out of the picture, whilst Milnerton's Bianca Beavitt is now well out of the Junior age group and paddling like a dream - all three of them will be chased by PCC's Jemma Hofmeyer who will no doubt make a move on any mistake of those mentioned. And then there is the Milnerton Junior Ladies super-star, Melanie van Niekerk - the Victrix Ludorum at last weekends S.A. Schools Canoe Sprint championships in the girls U18 division - if she decides to race this Saturday, there is sure to be a cracker of a ladies event raced off. 

Should there be any queries, please contact me.

Regards,

Rob MacLean

Media Liaison - W.C.C.U.