In-form Bouman conquers mighty McGregor

Durban – The renowned, age old rivalry between two of the world’s top surfski competitors, Matt Bouman and Hank McGregor , resumed again for the first time this Varsity College FNB Surfski Series at Friday evening’s Thule Surfski Challenge with Bouman getting a rare victory over the six time Marathon World Champion. The pair have gone head to head with one another in a fascinating, sometimes ferocious, yet ultimately hugely respectful manner for more than a decade which, despite neck-and-neck encounters on a near weekly basis, has seen McGregor gain the supremacy on the scoreboard in recent years. That, however, wasn’t going to deter Bouman from staking a claim for the Thule Surfski Challenge spoils and, after yet another hotly contested affair, it was the Epic Kayaks star who managed to pull one back on McGregor. “These are the only races I really like winning; when everyone’s there racing,” explained Bouman. “Hank (McGregor) coming along and racing makes it all worth it (for me)!” he added. Despite the ability of all of his fellow elite stars, Bouman’s downing of McGregor remains his primary goal weekly. “We’re all going really fast, the times we’re all doing and the speeds we’re going at is just ridiculous! “Hank has had the psychological edge over me though; physically we’re the same but in recent times he’s managed to manage me better – which has been both incredibly frustrating and extremely intriguing – but it was great to get one over him this time. “I tried something different and it was great to see it work!” described an elated Bouman. While McGregor may not have be at full fitness after being struck down by illness midway through the recent N3TC Drak Challenge, the Euro Steel/Epic Kayaks ace was full of praise for Bouman. “I’m still struggling a bit after being sick last weekend but hats off to Matthew, he’s going really nicely at the moment!” said McGregor. “It was great to be back at the Marine Surfski Series again after missing the first three races...

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