K&A canoe race shock

BOATERS on the Kennet & Avon Canal will be aware that it is the time of the annual Devizes to London Canoe Race, but this year's effort has resulted in Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve Redgrave pulling out.

Steve retired from the race in the early hours of this morning (Sunday) owing to tiredness, having travelled with his partner Roger Hatfield, who also retired, after 87 miles, Alan Tilbury reports.

Toughest endurance challenges

The 125 miles race is considered to be one of the most tough endurance challenges of its kind, and at its beginning Steve stated that he was not looking forward to it.

The pair had reached Old Windsor Lock on the Thames when they decided to pull out, but they were not alone, as others failed to finish the gruelling race.

Steve relates that he is used to 'quick blasts' of 2,000 metres, and this was too much. His previous longest race being 55 miles.