Valiant Vikings complete epic marathon voyage
Two Bedford crews complete in the Westminster International Canoe Race
Two valiant crews from Bedford's Viking Kayak Club completed the epic 60th running of the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over the Easter weekend.
The course follows the Kennet and Avon canal before joining the Thames at Reading. It also includes one tunnel and 77 lock portages and finishes at London's Westminster Bridge.
The crews started on Saturday evening, paddling through the night via Newbury, Reading, Marlow, and Teddington and finished on Sunday evening in freezing conditions.
Of the 118 starters, 60 crews completed the race, the fastest boat taking 17.30hrs.
Two Viking crews completed the race, with Mike Newbery and Adrian Abbot 25th in 23.40hrs and Mike Dodson and Toni Cientanni 27th in 23.59hrs.
Viking's third crew of Cathy Johnson and Kelly Sapsford were forced to retire at Reading after 13 hours of paddling through a freezing night.
For more details on the club visit www.vikingkayak.co.uk.
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Weather for Bedford
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
