It’s here where the leaderboard began to see some decisive shifts—especially in the Unlimited and CX classes, where Kiwi teams have been steadily climbing. As the spray settled after Races 7 and 8, the Kiwis have locked down their place as genuine title contenders, elbowing through a field thick with fast Canadians and tight margins.
Unicorn charges, MPH closes in
At the top of the leaderboard, Canada’s Gord Humphrey (Unnatural Disaster) is still the man to beat, leading overall on 2:39:01. But nipping hard at his heels is New Zealand’s Regan Williamson in Unicorn, holding second with 2:49:02. That’s a 10-minute gap — not nothing, but still reachable.
Williamson’s Leg 8 run was solid at 0:32:36, but the real story is behind him. Fellow Kiwi Kevin Hyde (MPH Racing) is creeping up with intent. His consistent drive — capped by a tidy 0:35:07 in Race 8 — puts him on 2:54:56, just under six minutes off Williamson’s stern.
Behind Hyde is Canadian Spencer King (Sunset Shaker) with 3:02:23, still holding the A Class lead but now feeling real pressure. Between these three boats — and with Humphrey still within reach — it is still possible that the next leg could blown wide open.
A377, still there
And then there’s Tom Kelly — quiet, and calculated, and today without error. Somehow overlooked in the official standings again, his numbers are undeniable. With a Leg 8 time of 0:37:38, Kelly brings his total to 3:11:33, placing him second in A Class but we note he has fallen out of the Overall Standings table.
That means Kelly is sitting a little behind Canada’s Darin Cage (Shockwave, 3:02:23) and still within eyeshot of the overall top five. If he can keep it together through the next few long legs, he could seriously disrupt the front end.
Hill’s hunt in CX
Justin Hill (Aftershock) is still keeping the Kiwi flag flying in the CX Class. His Leg 8 effort of 0:38:44 was enough to maintain ninth overall and second in class, just behind Canada’s Tanner Froehlich (Reverse Elevation, 3:16:43 vs Hill’s 3:17:54 — so close).
There’s not even a cup of coffee between these two in terms of time, and with Canada’s Denny Mayne just four minutes off the pace, the CX podium is still very much alive.
Long Roads Ahead
These river stages have done what they always do — expose weaknesses, test endurance, and reward teams who can read water like a map. The Kiwis, despite the unfamiliar rivers, are making a real statement. Williamson and Hyde are keeping the Unlimited Class honest. Kelly is maintaining his hold on second in A Class. And Hill? He’s fighting strong.
With eight more races to go, nothing’s locked in. Not for Humphrey. Not for the New Zealanders chasing him.
If the next rounds are anything like Grande Prairie, buckle up. It’s going to be a hell of a ride.
