KINGSLEY father and son Todd and Ian Williamson took out the power boat division of last year's Avon Descent and they are not giving up the title without a fight.
The pair will compete in the 2009 Avon Descent, to be held on August 1 and 2, and will be looking to replicate their success of previous years, including coming second in 2007 and being race record-holders.
Ian and Todd covered 133km in 132 minutes at an average speed of almost 60km/h in last year’s race to cross the finish line 26 seconds ahead of their closest opponent.
“In years gone by, crews could make their share of mistakes and still have a chance to win,” Ian said.
“With such close racing in this event now, teams virtually cannot afford any mistakes aiming to win. A solid strategy and a flawless drive are essential prerequisites for a podium finish.”
Competitors have a chance to win a share of $60,000 worth of cash and prizes – one of the largest prize pools in the world for a whitewater event.
Ian had some advice for new competitors. “Leave nothing to chance – thoroughly test everything during practice so that whatever breaks or doesn’t work properly is repaired stronger or fixed before race day,” he said.
“You put too much work and expense into your entry to be sitting on the bank with something you had control over that shouldn’t have let you down.”