MARTIN Dreyer became the first paddler from the Cape to win South Africa’s premier endurance canoe challenge by overpowering a machine-like Natalian challenge on the final day of the three-day race from Inanda Dam to Blue Lagoon on Saturday. Dreyer and Gauteng’s Mark Perrow are considering teaming up for victory when the KwaZulu Natal epic celebrates 2000 as a K2 (doubles) race. “I was thrilled to see Martin win,” said Perrow, winner of the K1 title in 1997, but unable to defend this year because of a back injury. “As long as we can keep the needle alive by preventing the Natalians from dominating this race, the more exciting it will make the event.” The main worries in the partnership would be Dreyer’s paddling and Perrow’s running.