McGregor Wins Bay Union Open Ocean Challenge Opener

PIETERMARITZBURG, 12 July 2017 – Sunday, 9 July 2017, saw multiple World Marathon Champion, Hank McGregor (Jeep Team), clinch the win at the first race of the Bay Union Open Ocean Surfski Challenge 2017. The 12km race opener had perfect weather and sea conditions for a stunner of a race, attracted a large field of 75 paddlers including seven-time Dusi winner, Andy Birkett, plus Wade Krieger, Gene Prato, and seasoned masters, Bruce Wenke and Linton Hope. 

McGregor, fresh from his victory at the Mauritius Ocean Classic last weekend, was slow off the start line after a paddle mix up but got to the front with ease and kept it to the finish line, finishing in 00:56:31, only seven seconds ahead Andy Birkett in 00:56:38 with third placed Gene Prato in 00:57:45.  Say Hank McGregor “I am really happy I had the chance to be part of today’s race. The conditions were ideal and I am really happy that such a large field came out to enjoy the conditions.

It was a brilliant day out to be racing.”   Next on McGregor’s racing calendar is the Canadian Surfski Championships at Howe Sound in Vancouver, Canada from 15-16 July, followed by the Gorge Downwind Championship on the Columbia River Gorge near Oregon in the United States from 18-22 July.  

Bay Union Open Ocean Challenge Series Long Course

Men

1. Hank McGregor - 00:56:31
2. Andy Birkett - 00:56:38
3. Gene Prato - 00:57:45 

Women

1. Nikki Russell - 01:03:38
2. Michelle Burn - 01:04:18
3. Kyeta Purchase - 01:05:10 

### OTHER JEEP TEAM NEWS  OCR -Thomas van Tonder - Breakout Challenge #3On Saturday, 8th of July 2017, athletes descended upon the OCT South Obstacle Course Training Centre in Mulbarton to participate in Race 3 of The OCT Breakout Challenge obstacle course race (OCR). 

OCT South is set in the picturesque, Thaba Trails in the south of Johannesburg. The course included running, climbing, jumping, crawling, swimming and balancing elements with the aim of testing speed, endurance and mental strength. Thomas van Tonder (Jeep Team) competed in the Silent Assassin Challenge 15km/30 obstacles race. After a tough race, he managed 3rd place in a time of 01:40:34 behind overall winner, Bradley Claase in 01:29:07, and second-placed, Greg Avierinos in 01:37:3.  Says van Tonder, “I’m super stoked to take home 3rd place in today’s race after a long break from OCR. Well done to everyone who took part, it was a gruelling day out.” 

Results – Breakout Challenge Men

1. Bradley Claase - 01:29:07
2. Greg Avierinos - 01:37:31
3. Thomas van Tonder - 01:40:34  

Women

1. Michelle Meyer - 02:31:31
2. Sam Gilchrist - 02:32:15

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EDITORS NOTES

 Written and Distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Jeep Team SAAll enquiries to viv@hotsalsamedia.co.za / 0894 486 2136  

Upcoming Bay Union Open Ocean Surfski Challenge Races: (all races at Durban Underwater Club, Durban) 

• Citadel Race         16 July 2017
• Geriatskis Race    23 July 2017
• Geriatskis Race    30 July 2017

For more info, visit http://oosc.co.za/

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