World's beast race for gold in Powerade Cup

by Ian Grant on 2 Jun 2007 International champion Outrigger canoe crews will duel for the prestigious Powerade Hamilton Island Cup 1000m sprint championships on picturesque Catseye Bay today.

There will be furious and spectacular action when the athletes representing 13 International and 41 Australian clubs test their strength technique and endurance for the simple honour of showcasing a medal in the club trophy cabinet.

A total of 24 heats will be contested to decide the finalists in what promises to be a very exciting day of racing in all 8 classes particularly the open men and women divisions.

Outrigger Australia from Queensland’s Gold Coast hold the open men race record of 4 minutes 33.62 seconds while Surfers Paradise have set the open women benchmark at a super fast 5 minute 16.36 seconds.

Both records stand to be challenged on Catseye Bay later today when Northcliffe go head to head against the very strong International line up including the super competitive Team Hawaii and the Taniwha Grizzlies from New Zealand.

The duel for the Open Women will also feature close racing however the individual athletes will have to dig deep on their energy after racing in the tortuous 16km marathon yesterday.

Many of the paddlers finished bruised and exhausted after experiencing a test of character including collisions, free falls and submersion in the boisterous sea way.

However personal pride will help to overcome the pain when they duel for honours on the sprint course today and then prepare for the 42km marathon tomorrow.