The PaddlerUK magazine May 2015 issue 2 | Page 92

ThePaddlerUK 92 Lizzie Broughton and Keith Moule crossing the line at Westminster By Ollie Harding Following the race While it’s great to be in the race or alongside supporting, the introduction of GPS Tracking technology across the Senior Doubles opened up the race to hundreds more. As well as helping support teams to link up with their crews, the tracking technology pulls in people who wouldn’t normally follow the race. What Greenaway called the ‘brilliant technology’ had people from across the world watching on desktops, tablets and mobiles. Tom Sharpe, Samuel Plummer and Jan Laenen pushing for the finish in K1 By Ollie Harding But while the technology makes it easier for supporters to follow online, there is simply no short cut or reduction in the dedicated training that’s required for a crew to successfully finish DW. It remains one of the toughest personal challenges of physical, mental and strategic endurance. The low down on DW What: Devizes Westminster International Canoe Race is a 125-mile marathon from Devizes in south west England to Westminster in the heart of London. It travels along Kennet & Avon Canal to Reading joining the River Thames to the tidal Thames at Teddington. There are five races: the non-stop Senior Doubles and the four day stages event for Senior Singles, Junior Doubles, Junior Veterans and the touring non-timed Endeavour class. When: DW takes place over Easter weekend. Next year this is 25-28 March 2016. Where: It starts from the Wharf in Devizes, finishes just downstream of Westminster Bridge, central London. Preparation and Training: The race is open to all. Dedicated training is essential and would ideally start at least six months before the race. More information: Visit www.dwrace.org.uk