Big Dusi test for Hartley
Zululand's Olympic sprint canoeist Bridgitte Hartley is now ready to hit river racing, furiously preparing to take on the Dusi Marathon on 16 February
DESPITE having an Olympic medal in sprint canoeing, South African golden girl Bridgitte Hartley has taken a lot longer to earn her river paddling stripes.
With less than a month to the start of the 2017 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon on 16 February, Hartley has had to quickly get to grips with KZN river conditions.
The baptism of fire for Hartley has not been any easier as the drought conditions continue to grip the majority of the province and, with only a handful of opportunities to cut her teeth in Dusi-style conditions, she is trying to rack up as many miles as possible.
‘I have done the Fish a couple of times, but besides that I think I have only done the KZN races once!’ the Euro Steel star commented.
‘This season is definitely a challenge for me mainly as I don’t have a gauge to which to compare things. It is mostly a first time experience for me.
‘I have seconded so many times, but as a paddler it is completely different,’ she said.
Running important in Dusi
Hartley has managed to get some miles in her portaging legs after she won the Umpetha Challenge that finishes with a vicious up-hill portage, and then claimed second at the Ozzie Gladwin, presented by Parklane Superspar, so she is quickly coming to grips with the rigors of running with a boat.
‘If you can run as well as you paddle, then you will have so much leverage at the Dusi.
‘My paddling isn’t bad and I feel if I neglect it for a while I won’t get worse, so that means I have a bit more time to focus on my running.
‘At this stage I am really enjoying my running and don’t dread having to get out on the road,’ said Hartley.
‘One thing that was encouraging looking back at the Fish was that I managed to pull away from Robyn (Owen) and Jenna (Ward), so my speed and fitness levels are good.
‘I have been training with some of the Maritzburg College boys and was encouraged when I was still with them on the Umpetha Challenge until I swam at Taxi.
‘I know that they have more experience than I do and it was good for me to see that I was able to stay with them and follow their lines – it means I am improving,’ said a positive Hartley.
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