"King of the Drak" Stott aims for seventh GT Drak title

Underberg - Six times champ Ant Stott has holed himself up in Underberg as part of his preparations for the Defence of his Global Trader Drak Challenge canoe marathon title, eager to use his favourite race of the year to erase his Dusi marathon disappointment.

The likeable 33 year old started the 2010 Hansa Powerade Dusi with his partner as the runaway favourites to claim their lucrative title. However, after fighting their way to the front for the first time on the final stage, their title bid ended in a controversial swim at Pumphouse rapids on the outskirts of Durban.

"I cant wait to get back into the saddle," said Stott. "Its been a while since I have been so eager to race. After the Dusi I have been itching to get racing again, and the GT Drak is my favourite race of the year."

Stott has earned the title "King of the Drak" through six victories in the popular two-day race on the Umzimkulu, which will also be hosting the SA K1 River Championships on 27 and 28 February 2010.

Apart from enjoying spending time on the clean water of the Umzimkulu river, the rocky river requires meticulous preparation from any paddler with title aspirations, as the water levels can vary wildly with prevailing rainfall.

After a wet start to the summer that has left the Umzimkulu flowing well, the heatwave that has gripped the province during February has resulted in the water level dropping steadily to a technical low level.

"That suits me just fine," said Stott. "Tripping the river at this level allows you to study the lines and options through the rocks carefully. I am also one of the lighter paddlers, and I tend to enjoy racing in a lower river more than the heavier guys."

Stott has been using his time in Underberg to recce the river, and in particular the notorious Glenhaven rapid midway through the second stage that has a reputation of deciding the outcome of the title race.

Glenhaven was dramatically reshaped by the local landowner desperate to save his access road that was under threat from the erosion of the river banks at the big rapid.

"The rapid now has a channel down the left hand side, which is pretty straight," said Stott. "During the summer some of the big rocks that were excavated have been moved by heavy river flow, leaving some rocks in the main channel."

Stott admitted that he drama on the final day of the Hansa Powerade Dusi had left himself and partner Mbanjwa gutted. "It was tough to deal with," he conceded. "But that is river racing for you. You can never take anything for granted."

Stott has set his sights on his challenge for the SA K1 river title next weekend, before concentrating his energies on making the national flatwater marathon team, and a concerted challenge for another world marathon title later in the year.

Stott won the senior K2 world marathon championship with Cam Schoeman in 2008, and medalled in the K1 race last year.

The Global Trader Drakensberg Challenge takes place in Underberg on 27 and 28 February. More information can be found at www.drak.co.za  

ENDS