Camilleri shakes off Perrevoort's challenge

The Malta Canoe Federation recently organised its main event of the year, the Manoel Island racing series, sponsored by Perception Kayaks.

While spectators were enjoying a perfect sunny day, a gusty force four-to-five wind and a short chop made it even more difficult for participants, particularly in the early races.

The entry list once again demonstrated the popularity this sport is gaining here.

For the second year, there were foreign paddlers taking part, six of whom hailed from Italy and another three from Germany. In addition, some 30 Maltese paddlers joined in the competition.

The first event was the 10km kayak/canoe race split in five categories - men's and women's kayak K1, men's and women's open sea kayak K1, and mixed doubles K2. There were 30 boats in all.

The favourites to win the men's race were Christopher Camilleri, Gerald deGaetano and ex-German champion Marcus Perrevoort. Nicki Borg Costanzi, a clear favourite in the women's race, had to fend off the attentions of two Rome Canoe Group members.

Camilleri, DeGaetano and Perrevoort set the early pace, sprinting out in front. Perrevoort, playing a tactical race, sat on Camilleri's wash for two laps while the former did everything he could to distance himself from the German.

The final lap saw Camilleri, who will be vying for the World Championships later on this year, shaking off Perrevoort's challenge to achieve victory. Camilleri increased his lead on the German to 45 seconds and crossed the finishing line in 47 mins 20 secs. Perrevoort just managed to hold on to second place in front of DeGaetano.

In the women's race, Borg Costanzi crossed the finishing line first in 57 mins 16 secs. Alice Croce was second and Heide Klauser third.

In the open category, Anton Pace finished first in 58 mins 6 secs, with Robert Pullicino second and Frans Debono third.

Marcelle Chircop was the women's open race winner in 1:04.43 and Matthew Schembri outperformed Luca Pace in the race for juniors.

In the K2 race, Julian Mamo and Pierre Chircop were first across the finishing line in 52 mins 15 secs. Second place went to Joe Borg and Nicky Valenzia. Craig Wightman, along with Charles Micallef and Holly Anderson, were third in their Polynesian canoe.

The second race of the day was the one-lap circuit for juniors. The winner here was Matthew Schembri who finished ahead of Luca Pace.

The K2 (doubles) single lap race was up next with six boats taking part. Germans Perrevoort and Droste surged into the lead. They maintained their steady pace to win the race in 14 mins 50 secs, showing just how fast K2s are. Mamo and Camilleri were second and DeGaetano and Cremona third.

In true sporting spirit, Perrevoort then donated the German team's K2 boat to the federation to develop this end of the sport even further.

The final single-lap fun race was won by junior paddlers Luca Pace and Matthew Schembri in a K2 kayak.