Andy Birkett scooped his fourth Drak Challenge title as he outsprinted reigning world champion Hank McGregor when the race concluded yesterday.
From the first stage start at Castleburn it was clear that the title race was between McGregor and Birkett, with McGregor securing the overnight lead.
Andy Birkett celebrates his fourth title at the Drak Challenge yesterday. Photo: Anthony Grote
With the duo still inseparable with less than a kilometre to go, McGregor looked to be holding all the cards, as the Euro Steel team-mates approached Wake Up Rapid.
“We were together the whole way – a game of patience and waiting for the other person to make a mistake,” said Birkett.
“About 600m from the finish I managed to come past Hank going into Wake Up Rapid, and then held him off after he made a few attempts to come past me. I managed to hang onto it to the finish.”
Owen Gandar repeated his third place from last year, while Hamish Lovemore finished fourth.