Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race: Newbury Canoe Club triumphs in national competition
The celebrations have continued with cake at Newbury Canoe Club after it trumped much bigger rivals to scoop the prestigious team trophy in a recent national event.
Three teams, consisting of six paddlers, all placed in the top ten in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race (DW) meaning the club lifted the team trophy for the three fastest boats from one club.
They all paddled 108 miles from Wiltshire, passing through Newbury and finishing in London, in the senior doubles class, which is the only class that goes non-stop straight through the night.
The race usually ends at Westminster Bridge but was shortened this year due to dangerously high and fast water on the tidal section of the River Thames and ended at Teddington Lock.
James Treadgold and Paul Hayes finished in 15 hours 32 minutes, placing fourth in the senior doubles overall, and first in the senior doubles vets (both paddlers over 35).
While Alex Burt and Rebecca Bird finished in 16 hours 31 minutes, placing seventh overall, second in the mixed senior doubles and third in the senior doubles vets.
And Rob Whitehead and Mike Richmond finished in 17 hours 22 minutes, placing ninth overall and first in the senior double century (both paddlers over 50).
Most of the Newbury crew have multiple DW races under their belts, and the Newbury Canoe Club won the team trophy in 2019, with Mr Burt, Mr Hayes and Mr Whitehead being part of that winning team.
Mr Treadgold said: “Ours was a relatively trouble free race and fourth is way better than I expected. I’d like to thank Paul for being a super strong partner.”
Mr Burt added: “The high water conditions made this the most technically challenging of my DW races so far.
“I was gutted the organisers had to stop the race short of the iconic Westminster finish, but it was the right decision.”
And Ms Bird said: “This was my first DW race but it definitely won’t be the last.
“It was an amazing experience from start to finish, and I loved every minute of it – the training, planning, and working together as a team was just such fun.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, but am so happy that I did and really chuffed with how well we did.
“Next time, I’m hoping for a Westminster finish so I can walk up those iconic steps.”
Ed Cooper, chair of Newbury Canoe Club, said it was a “magnificent achievement” for the club.
“Winning the team trophy in the 2024 Devizes to Westminster race is a magnificent achievement for the six people in the three winning crews and for the whole club – coaches, supporters, other paddlers, volunteers and training partners.
“Newbury Canoe Club will use this win to continue to develop – we are an inclusive club in the heart of Newbury and are looking to grow our membership.
“The first step in that is to build a new boat store, as we are currently at capacity. That process is underway and once it’s done, we look forward to helping more people enjoy paddle sports.”
