SILVA National Orienteering League turns 18
Thursday, 4 March 2010
SILVA National
Orienteering League turns 18.
The format and team names may
have changed over time, but the National Orienteering League- Sponsored by
compass maker SILVA, continues to grow each year. The first round of the season
is in Victoria, opening with the famous Eureka Challenge massed start race. The
following day consists of a Sprint Distance race and a mixed relay, where state
teams match their best men and women athletes together. This race is likely to
be one of the highlights of the season.
The 2nd round
includes Easter Twenty10 carnival based around Canberra, and Cooma. The seven
race carnival will provide plenty of challenges and a variety of terrains and race
formats. The 3rd round is hosted by NSW, with a sprint race in the
complex Macquarie University campus before moving to the NSW Southern
Highlands region. The 4th and final round of the series incorporates
the Australian Championships Carnival near Adelaide, South Australia.
In the women’s competition,
Kathryn Ewels (VIC) is looking to improve on 2nd place for the
previous 3 series to win her first Individual title. Her main competition is
likely to come from fellow Australian team members Shannon Jones (ACT), Vanessa
Round (SA) and youngsters Aislinn Prendergast (VIC) and Bridget Anderson (QLD)
will be looking to make an impact in their first year in Senior Elite class.
Julian Dent (NSW) was
unbeatable for the start of 2009 until injury prevented him from competing in
the national championships. However he looks to be back at his best and will be
looking to win his 2nd National Series title. Simon Uppill (SA) is
likely to be his closest rival, and Dave Shepherd (ACT) has had some good
results since returning from a long injury forced break. A large group of
younger orienteers from Victoria including Bryan Keely and Chris Naunton, Matt
Parton (NSW) and Murray Scown (ACT) will be looking to knock some of the more
experienced runners off the podium on the right day.
Keep in touch with all SILVA
National Orienteering League news at www.orienteering.asn.au
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