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Paarl - Seasoned Czech Republic Marathon racer, Petr Mojžíšek has added his name to the entry list for the 2016 Berg River Canoe Marathon from July 13-16, becoming the second international star to commit to the 240km classic from Paarl to Velddrif.
The 39 year-old from Jesenice in Prague has become something of a long distance paddling specialist in recent years and after following the Berg River Canoe Marathon from a distance, didn't hesitate to accept the organisers’ invitation to take part this year.
"I have been interested in long distance races for years," said Mojžíšek. "With my increasing age and less time to train, my speed goes down and now some endurance remains so I have started doing crazy long distances races, mostly here in the Czech republic.”
"So, when I was given a chance to participate in Berg River, I did not hesitate at all!" he said.
Mojžíšek may be better known to many paddlers as Petr Jambor, racing to a K2 World Champs Bronze in Crestumna in Portugal in 2009 with Jakub Adam, and then finishing second to Hank McGregor at the 2011 World Champs in Singapore, before taking a break from international racing.
"I intentionally stopped appearing in the International Canoe Federation races and participated only in regional events," explained Mojžíšek.
"There is a historic 180km ultra long distance race in the Czech Republic called Budejovice-Praha which was launched in 1922 and abandoned in 1955.
“The spirit of the race was recently recovered though and the race is now held regularly again.
"I have won that race in its three day variant as well its non-stop version, and I am currently unbeaten in it!" said Mojžíšek.
Mojžíšek admits that he will face the same challenges as any Berg novice as he knows little about the race or it's unique challenges.
"I only know the basics – it is four day, 240km long, slowly flowing river with some easy (on South Africa scale) weirs and occasional logs," said Mojžíšek.
"I know that Hank (McGregor) has won it ten times and last year there were a few paddlers from Europe like Jakub Adam, Kiko Vega, Joep van Bakel and they performed extremely well.
"I like racing so I want to enjoy the race as much as I can and I believe I am able to finish in the top ten, although this will depend a lot on how many international paddlers joins the race.
"I always focus on giving my best and the rest is up to God," said Mojžíšek.
The 2016 Berg River Canoe Marathon starts in Paarl on July 13 and ends at Velddrif on July 16. More information can be found at www.berg.org.za
