MTBO success bodes well for Aus champs

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Last Updated: Sunday, 27 August 2017 17:40

A hugely successful week for NSW riders in mountain bike orienteering has set the stage for a big Australian championships in the Southern Highlands in early October.

Lucy Mackie (Big Foot), younger brother Fergus, and Newcastle's Glen Charlton (pictured) have just finished their world championship commitments in Lithuania.

Lucy stamped herself on the international scene with silver in the Middle and seventh in the Long. Fergus notched his first top-10 finish with 9th in the Middle. Glen was beset by mechanical issues but loved the atmosphere and will return much wiser.

At the Queensland MTBO champs this weekend, the small contingent of NSW riders was well and truly among the medals.

Rhiannon Prentice (Newcastle) won all 3 formats in W14-16 and dad Robert did likewise in M60-69.

Michael Ridley-Smith (Garingal) won the M50-59 Long champs and was third in the Middle. In the same age class, Andrew Power (NC) took silver in the Long and won the Middle. Both men mispunched in the opening Sprint.

With our three WOC representatives buoyed by their experience, NSW will be well primed for the national titles on home turf at Wingello from October 7-8. Entries close on Sunday September 17 via Eventor.