WORLD MARATHONS INFO / MIXED DOUBLES RACE / OTHER INFO RE NOMINATION DATE:
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS ON THE CSA NEWSLETTER:
The ICF marathon committee have accepted a proposal to host a mixed doubles championships in the senior and junior age groups (in addition to the masters age groups, which are already on the program) without restrictions on number of boats entered.
The mixed doubles category was introduced onto the master’s program last year, and was a great success. It was, however, restricted to these age groups.
Ballies who wish to paddle with their lighties will have to paddle in the senior class. Who knows, maybe some philanthropist out there may even sponsor a prize for the mom/son and dad/daughter categories.
The mixed doubles races will have the same status as all of the other masters category races, in that they will not be an official world championships, but will be a world cup.
The mixed doubles races will be held on the Tuesday afternoon, starting at 16h00. The provisional program that is reflected on the WMC website will be amended to accommodate the two additional starts (Senior and Junior).
So don’t go rushing out and having trials and getting yourself measured up for a green jacket. Just get an entry in before the closing date. I appreciate fully that this does not give an ideal amount of time for an elaborate mating dance. The cave man tactic of grabbing her by the hair and dragging her off may have to suffice.
With a guppy race being included in the program, there is now something for everyone.
I have an even brighter idea that I will propose to the ICF committee for next year (it will henceforth be known as “Copper’s second proposal”), and that is, that all masters (and mixed doubles) categories be determined by the sum of the ages of the competitors and not by the age of the youngest paddler. Masters age groups will then start at 70 (cumulative age) and go up in 5 year increments. That way, a 55 year old with no mates his own age (no names mentioned), will not be forced to paddle in the 35 – 39 category if that is all he can find. He would be able to paddle in the 90 – 94 category
Only a week and a half to go until the SA marathon champs at Camps Drift.
I reported, in error, that the closing date for nominations for the national team was earlier than it actually is. It is, in fact, the same date as the closing date for entries, which is this Friday (the 4th).
The standard of performances at the provincial championships has been sublime. Sleepy Hollow will be anything but.
The champs serve as the only selection race for the national team. There will be much to race for.
From Colin Simpkins:
SG / CSA