Last weekend, two of the Mount Kelly DW pairs travelled to Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire to take part in a kayak race as part of their preparation for the Devizes to Westminster event.
Waterside A, organised by Newbury Canoe Club, is very much a ‘sprint event’ on water and land, covering a distance of 14 miles and 20 portages. With some good training behind them, both Mount Kelly crews were looking to record some quick times.
Will and Demetre raced hard throughout and were unlucky to capsize after getting stuck at a late portage, which saw them finish in 2:30:26 (an agonising 26 seconds over their target time) and placing 12th. A great result nonetheless, and well ahead of many other school crews.
Jack and Keir were determined to establish the fastest Mount Kelly time and had been working hard at their speed work at portages leading up to this race. Setting off behind some of the other school crews, they flew down the canal. An unconfirmed finish time placed them on the podium, and it was to be a nervous wait of four days until final times and positions were determined. Jack and Keir posted 2:15:43, edging them into 3rd place by seconds. Nonetheless a gauntlet had been laid down and Mount Kelly crews are once again kayaks to watch out for in future races.
Training continues in March with planned sessions on the Exeter Canal and the River Tamar, ahead of their next trip to Wiltshire with the full team taking part in Waterside C on 23 March.
Article written by Luke Francis, Head of Humanities (College).
Categories: Expeditions
