Gelderman Top Kiwi in MTBO World Champs

Marquita Gelderman was the top New Zealander in today's Long Distance World
Championship in MTB-Orienteering. The 37-year-old Aucklander placed 27th in the
27km course near Daylesford in Victoria, 18min behind Germany's Anke
Dannowski.

Australia's top hope Emily Viner limped into the finish on a flat tyre, dashing
hopes of a female medal, but 19-year-old Adrian Jackson secured the bronze for
the host country.

NZ's top male hope Stu Lynch was hoping for better than 52nd but Phil Wood
placed 36th and Craig Starnes 42nd in a field of 100 from 27 countries. They
were 17 and 21min behind Switzerland's Alain Berger.

NZ's ride of the day came from Wellington's Jo Forbes who placed 31st. The
adventure racer from Wellington began orienteering on wheels only this year and
was a surprise nomination to the team. The other kiwi finalists were Dianne
Michels (35th), Christina Renhart (38th) Fiona McBryde, 39th and Claire Heppenstall (41st).

The team will contest the middle-distance championship on Friday and the relay
championship on Saturday. Full details on the event website
www.2004worldmtbo.org.

Michael Wood, Team Manager

This page installed 21 October 2004