South African paddlers dominate ocean racing World Cup events

South African paddlers showcased their dominance at the recent ocean racing World Cup events in Portugal. Sean Rice and Hayley Nixon secured victories in the men's and women's categories on Saturday. Rice delivered a commanding performance in the men's race, finishing in 1:21:52:88, over two minutes ahead of Spain's Walter Bouzan. Australia's Mackenzie Hynard took third. This marked Rice's third Nelo Summer Challenge win, leading from start to finish. The battle for second was intense, with Hynard, Germany's Gordan Harbrecht, and South Africa's Jasper Mocke racing closely. In the final five kilometers, Bouzan surged past Hynard to claim second. Hayley Nixon was equally dominant in the women's event, winning in 1:34:54:53. New Zealand's Teneale Hatton finished second, two minutes 28 seconds behind, with France's Angie Le Roux in third. Nixon established an early lead, while Hatton, Le Roux, and fellow South African Jenna Ward contested second place. Hatton ultimately overtook Le Roux in the final sprint for silver.

Junior and Under 23 Victories

• The Junior men's title went to Spain's Jorge Enriquez, followed by Portugal's Bernardo Santos and Dupuits Maxime of France.
• For the Junior women, Spain achieved a clean sweep with Lucia Serralta, Maria Vaello, and Sandra Casamayor.
• In the U23 women's event, Lisa Gras from France won, ahead of Portugal's Catarina Santos.
• Australia's Mackenzie Hynard secured the U23 men's category, with Portugal's Fábio Cameira and Spain's Ignacio Soler completing the podium.

[go to the magazine: paddleworldwide]

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