Paddlers taking part in the 53rd edition of the Hansa Powerade Dusi, which takes place next week between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, can expect to be drug-tested.
”Top paddlers will be randomly tested between now and the race,” said Cameron Mackenzie, chairperson of the organising committee. ”We will not tolerate drug cheats. It is our responsibility to protect the good name of the Dusi and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that we enjoy a drug-free race.
There has been one incident, a few years ago, where a paddler was banned for a period when he tested positive for a banned substance. The paddler, Wayne Volek, placed third in the race, but he was disqualified and the placing was not recognised.
”I think that paddlers today understand that it just is not worth taking a chance or being ignorant of what is and isn’t a banned substance” said Mackenzie.
”There is a lot of money at stake here. The Hansa Powerade Dusi is the biggest money in world canoeing. We have again banned the use of saline drips. If a paddler has to use a drip, he or she will finish the race unofficially and their final placing will not be recognised.
”This rule is more than just a race rule, it is considered an illegal practice by the authorities.
”With the heat wave that we have had recently, we expect that a lot of paddlers will need to watch their hydration very carefully,” added Mackenzie.
”Powerade, one of our race sponsors, had a meeting in the valley this morning and they have upped the Powerade and Bon Aqua quite a bit. We want to make sure that we have enough fluids available for each and every paddler.
”I would like to warn paddlers that we expect a very hot three days. Please wear lots of sun protection and hydrate often.
”The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry are working flat out to try and remove the last few hyacinth blocks. They have been absolute stars. Apart from that preparations are going very well indeed,” said Mackenzie.
Almost 2 000 entries have been received, many more than organisers had initially hoped for. — Sapa