Win would top good year for Mahe

Glenn Watson | 24th November 2009

Victory for Mahe Drysdale in this Sunday's Prospace Billy Webb Challenge on the Whanganui  would round out a memorable year of rowing.

After  heartbreak at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the single sculler won the world title in Poland in August and for the past five weeks has been stacking up success in an exhausting tour of Italy, Norway, the US, Switzerland and the UK.

His biggest triumph was in the time-honoured Silverskiff on the Po River in Italy, where he beat Kiwi teammate Nathan Cohen. Back home and rested _ well, as rested as a world
champion can expect to be _ Drysdale now has his sights set firmly on Wanganui.

After finishing in the shadow of Olaf Tufte in last year's inaugural race, nothing but victory will satisfy him this year. His rival, Belgian Tim Maeyens, may not have Tufte's CV, but
Drysdale holds him in high regard.

``He's finished fourth at the Beijing Olympics and the worlds this year, so he's right
up there,'' said Drysdale.

Drysdale's win-laden year began in January when national coach Dick Tonks, formerly of Wanganui, took over his training.

Tonks' technical expertise has worked wonders, says Drysdale.

``Dick has made changes to the technical approach of the stroke, and we're on track to keep improving,'' he says.

 Meanwhile Cohen, fourth in the double sculls at the world champs this year, will take part in Friday's wild card race, which will determine the third member of the main men's race.
Another likely starter is Wairau's solidly built Robbie Manson.