New Zealand has to formally accept the challenge, and there are some issues to do with our ability to reciprocate consistently. Right now not all areas of NZ could put on a suitable event. However the MTBO Committee has recommended that we accept the challenge, while making it clear that we may not always be able to take our turn; if it is associated with the foot-orienteering challenge, it would take place in NZ every three years in January.
The challenge would be contested in up to 4 mens and 4 womens classes: 18 and under, open, 40+ and 55+, with the open classes compulsory but the travelling country nominating three months beforehand which of the other classes it wished to contest. In preparation for NZ accepting, indications of interest will now be received by the MTBO Committee Convenor, Andy Clayton. We don't yet know how the selection will be made, but by the end of June we will need to choose which classes we can contest.
The committee especially hopes that those with an interest in the World Championship next year can make the trip. MTBO Squad Convenor Michael Wood has been making plans for a MTBO training week immediately before the challenge. It will start with a low-key competition on Sun 21 Sep, and continue through the week. Michael has experience running training trips like this for foot-orienteers and will set up exercises to focus on particular navigation techniques, and of course get used to Australian terrain and mapping style.
Riders interested should plan to fly to Melbourne on 20 Sep, and return after 29 Sep. If they are also interested in foot-orienteering there will be top-class events until 5 Oct. (Of course you could also do more riding!) Both the MTBO and the foot-orienteering challenges are also open to all-comers, with categories for those who want shorter and/or easier courses than the national reps. Contact Michael for more info on the trip.
This page was written by Michael Wood and installed on 10 Apr 03.