HARBRECHT & BESTER CROWNED WORLD CHAMPIONS IN MADEIRA
Surfski has two new world champions, with Gordan Harbrecht and Kira Bester claiming victory at the 2024 ICF Ocean Racing titles on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
After years of podium finishes around the globe, Harbrecht’s trimuph is not just the biggest win of his career – it’s a monumental result for the sport.
The German finished almost a minute ahead of three-time champion Cory Hill and the legendary Hank McGregor to deliver Europe’s first world title.
In fact, no European had ever stood on the overall podium when Australia and South Africa have been able to participate.
“It feels so good,” Harbrecht told The Paddler immediately after the race. “I need some time to let it sink in.
“I wanted this, I really wanted this. I had a plan and I went for it. I pushed and didn’t stop.”
“I knew the conditions suited me. I had a feeling this could be my day. I’m just happy. So stoked.”
“I knew I could hurt the guys in the first two kilometres,” he says. “I hurt myself, but I knew it would hurt everyone.
“I knew there would be 10 kilometres of downwind if we were lucky.
“I wanted to get my green nose to the front and stay in front when the headwind came. It wasn’t fun at all, but I just pushed.”
And that proved to be enough.
Harbrecht crossed the line in a time of 1 hour, 27 minutes and 31 seconds to be crowned the 2024 ICF World Champion.
Reigning champion, Australian Cory Hill (1:28:24) claimed silver after clawing his way past Hank McGregor (1:28:34), who won bronze.
Rising star, South African Matthew Fenn (1:29:19) finished fourth overall while also winning the Under 23 title, ahead of 2022 World Champion Kenny Rice (1:29:33) in fifth.
To view the full results of the 2024 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships, click here.
“I was so close to the podium last year,” Harbrecht added, reflecting on his narrow fourth place finish at the 2023 titles in Perth, Australia.
“I wanted the podium and I wanted that win. I am stoked. I am so happy that I could win, finally. And in such a strong field.
“It’s good to show Germany is here in the sport, too. I am just so stoked.”
Harbrecht’s performance left Cory Hill in awe.
“Gordan’s pretty strong hey,” he laughed.
“I felt so comfortable in the downwind section, then when we came around the corner… I didn’t blow up… but it was very much a paddling race. Which wasn’t ideal for me.
“I’ve got the full set now. I’ve done seven World Championships and have six medals. I’m happy with those stats.”
McGregor, too, added another medal to his collection.
The 46 year-old icon of paddling has previously won three silver medals at the World Championships.
“That was a hard one,” he said after the race. “I think there was more headwind than downwind. Hats off to Gordon, he deserves the win.
“It was a three-horse race most of the way. I had a bit of a bad patch, then I had a good one. I managed to reel Cory in the last couple of kilometres.
“I actually came past him, but it just felt like my paddle got bigger and my arms got smaller.”
“It came down to a dice at the finish and Cory got the better of me.
“I’m still on the podium, but… next year. Next year. I’ll be back.”
For Kira Bester, there was no need to wait.
The South African is still an Under 23 paddler, yet she defied the field to claim the biggest result of her career, adding her name to the illustrious list of World Champions.
After battling 2021 winner and countrywoman Michelle Burn for the second year in a row, Bester came out on top to win in a time of 1 hour, 43 minutes and 39 seconds.
That was just 22 seconds ahead of Burn (1:44:01), while American Ana Swetish (1:45:16) claimed bronze in a thrilling finish with Melanie Van Niekerk (1:45:16).
Saskia Hockly (1:47:00) crossed the line in fifth place.
“I’m literally over the moon,” Bester told The Paddler at the finish line. “It’s a dream come true. All of the hard work pays off.
“When you do those hard miles, you don’t know for sure whether it’s going to be enough. For it all to come together and to see it pay off… it’s an indescribable feeling.
“Last time we were in Portugal in 2022, Jemma [Smith] won and was still in Under 23’s.
“I was like, ‘Wow, that’s quite an achievement for an Under 23 to win overall.
“From that day, that was my goal. To be Under 23 and take the overall position. I want to follow in her footsteps and do the same as her.”
“It’s another big goal that I’ve been able to tick off.”
History wasn’t lost on Burn, when asked how she felt after winning silver.
“Again!” She laughed.
“I think that’s my third second now. But this one is OK. Kira deserved the win today, she was definitely more powerful in these conditions and I couldn’t have gone any harder than I did. I’m satisfied with my second.
“They were very, very difficult conditions. In the first eight kilometres we got some incredible runs, then at nine k’s… it just stopped.
“My speed went from 17 kilometres an hour to like 10… and I thought, ‘Oh no.’”
“I was hoping it was a small section but it just didn’t get better. It was a long, hard day.”
The veteran is already looking towards the 2025 World Championships, to be held in her hometown of Durban.
“Oh I am so excited, you guys are going to love it,” she said.
“It’s literally straight into the runs. There’s no headwind, you just get the most amazing conditions. So I hope everyone is coming!”
Like many in the race, Swetish was hoping for more downwind assistance across the course.
But the American walked away proud of her performance. And proud to claim another medal.
“This is my fifth World Championships and the fifth time I’ve been on the podium,” she said.
“I’m super stoked to be up there again. It’s always super exciting and I’m really happy.
“I’m exhausted but I’m stoked with my result, particularly given the conditions.
“I don’t think it favours me, but I felt like I had a pretty decent race and I’m super happy to come across the line third, especially with the battle I had with Melanie.”
