12 August 2005

South African canoeists won the paddling Tri-Nations title at the prestigious Avon Descent in Perth on the weekend, with Durban star Darryl Bartho securing the K1 title for the second year running.

The 132-kilometre two-day race which ends on the Swan river estuary in Perth was contested in tricky low-river conditions by Team Men's Health South Africa. It included the Tri-Nations showdown between two-man teams from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

"I hope this gives the Boks some extra encouragement as they prepare for their match against the Wallabies in Perth," said a delighted Bartho. He clinched the men's K1 crown in nine hours and 42 minutes, a clear nine-minute margin over second-placed Ben Mercer from Western Australia.

In South African hands
Deon Bruss, who won the race overall last year in a K2 with his brother Sven, was third, putting the Tri-Nations competition securely into the South Africans' hands.

Emma Gilmer added further glory to the race for Team Men's Health South Africa by taking the silver medal in the women's K1 race, after twelve-and-a-half gruelling hours of racing over the two days.

Since the inception of the "twinning" of the Avon Descent with the Hansa Powerade Fish Marathon, South Africa has enjoyed an unbeaten run in the Avon Descent.

First won by Wayne Volek, in recent years it has also been won by the Bruss brothers, Bartho, and Martin Dreyer.

RESULTS:

Men's K1

	Daryl Bartho is one of South Africa's best all-round paddlers (Photo: Canoeing South Africa)

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