Former Olympian Shaun Rubenstein (front, pictured with Steve Farrell) has announced that he will race The Unlimited Dusi that starts on February 14. Photo: Dave Macleod/Gameplan Media
Former Olympic sprinter Shaun Rubenstein set tongues wagging when he showed up for the weekend’s race and confirmed that he will be racing The Unlimited Dusi that starts at Camps Drift on February 14.
The 29-year-old Capetonian finished third in his last K1 Dusi, and sixth with partner Steve Farrell in last year’s K2 race.
Rubenstein showed all his trademark tenacity and determination on the weekend’s race from Campbell’s Farm to Dusi bridge, which included the tough portages up Guinea Fowl and Cabbage Tree, and showed to the high powered field that he will be a force to be reckoned with on the three-day epic from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Rubenstein admitted that he hadn’t been planning to race, but had been drawn back into it by his long history with the event.
“I am training for the Epic so I am pretty fit, but I have done very little running with the boat,” said Rubenstein. “I am going to race to have fun, but I am seriously aiming for a top-ten finish.”
“I found out on the weekend that my running will be my weak point, and I also found out that there are a whole lot of lighties who are paddling at a whole new level. I raced with Lance Kime for part of the race, and he was so professional about everything he did.”
Rubenstein has a deep bond with the race, having been mentored by the legendary Graeme Pope-Ellis when he was a schoolboy. The Pope-Ellis family took him under their wing and helped him to a standout victory in the junior category.
“I have always loved the Dusi, and my time with Graeme Pope-Ellis taught me a deep love for the valley and the race. I found myself being pulled back to it once again,” said Rubenstein.
“Even though my canoeing career took me on a different path (as an Olympic sprinter), I have never lost my love for the valley and the vibe of the race.”
He has no illusions about the intensity of the competition with one of the most powerful fields in decades assembling for the race.
“Just getting into the top ten is going to be no joke,” said Rubenstein, who will be racing his seventh Dusi.
“I think the guys like Andy Birkett, Hank McGregor and Bungee (Thulani Mbanjwa) will be safe, but the race for the top ten will be hectic. Up against these guys I feel like a weekend warrior!”
