Hank McGregor withdraws from the 2013 Drak Challenge

Enter fulltext hereThe two time World Surf ski champion decided to withdraw his title defense for the Drak Challenge for this year. Justifiably Hank McGregor laid claim to focusing his energies onto the international circuit, opting instead to start the year in Western Australia, challenging Tim Jacobs defense of the Perth Doctor Surf ski International. Last year the South African Mocke brothers, Jasper and Dawid put Jacobs in the hot seat as both ended second and third respectively behind him. McGregor will be hoping to make good on his last frustrating performance in the Hong Kong Dragon run, when he had to come from behind to finish third on the podium.

His absence may come to a relief of some of the top paddlers, but McGregor insists that his team mate, and training partner Grant van der Walt will be the man to watch in this year's upcoming Drak Challenge; "He is going really well right now, and unlike many of the other top guys, he is not focusing on The Unlimited Dusi in February," McGregor said. "In the last few years he has been the fastest over the second day, so if he can keep it together on the first day, this might be his year." Ant Stott, six times winner of the Drak Challenge also stated that McGregor's absence will bring out the best in all of the top contenders.

The first day of the two day event will be starting off in front of Castleburn on the 19th of January

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Entry : Seniors R440, Juniors R290. Late Entry penalty is R100 per paddler.To secure a place in the Drak Charity Batch Costs an additional R300 per paddler.

Closing date for normal entries : 6pm on Wednesday 9 January 2013Closing date for late entries : 6pm on Wednesday 16 January 2013

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