In a world first, Matt Dalziel took the “Triple Crown’ of 1st place in all three race categories at this weeks Brown’s World Series XPD Single-sport Race, beating 30 other boats in the time trial, handicap and on corrected time.
In Race 1, a time trail where paddlers race off at 15 second intervals, Matt went out hard to beat Ben Maynard by 12 seconds in a time of 6 minutes 43 seconds. They were followed home by Brett Stewart, Dave Gray, who upgraded to a Time Bandit this week and Dion Frampton, with Mark Dunbabin coming home fast.
In the Handicap event, Ben Maynard was the backmarker, handicapped by 6 minutes and 25 seconds over the first paddler as a result of his fast times this season. Matt was off 13 seconds in front of Ben, at 6 minutes and 12 seconds.
Working his way through the front-markers, Matt had to cross the wakes of 28 other boats and avoid collisions on the tight and technical course, to get clear. He used his years of tough race experience to pass the rest of the pack and cross the line first to achieve a coveted line honours victory. In the process he extended his lead and finished 25 seconds clear of Ben, who was next over the line.
Matt’s corrected time of 6 minutes 59 seconds enabled him to again get a 12 second victory over a fast finishing Maynard in the corrected time placings.
Times on the return handicap leg were slower for all 30 paddlers, who battled a strong southerly headwind. This race also saw new competitors, including 6 week old Freya Judy Boocock, who made an impressive debut in the rare Slalom C3 category. Steve Willing and Luna Oesteriche showed good form in the K2 Sea Kayak, and Denna Kingdom showed good potential in her first race on the course.
The handicapper will have to review the race weights for future races given Matt’s strong showing this week. The next race will be held on 19th February, and will be followed by a Barbecue if the weather is good.
Stop Press
Race stewards are checking Dalziel’s eligibility for the Triple Crown amidst claims that he has let his club membership lapse – possibly invalidating all his results this season and placing his chances of gaining a Gold Commemorative Spoon in serious doubt!!
