The 2024 Victorian Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO) Championships took place over the weekend of 31st August and 1st September at Whroo, near Rushworth. Part of the National MTBO Series – Round 2, the event featured both Sprint and Long-Distance competitions. Organised by Bayside Kangaroos Orienteers, this year’s championships.
Both events were held on the Whroo Goldfields map, known for its varied and demanding terrain. The area is predominantly open native forest, offering riders a mix of well-used vehicle tracks, less distinct paths, and sections shaped by historical mining activity. The Sprint event, in particular, featured a more complex part of the map, with erosion from old mining operations adding to the difficulty. The terrain was mostly flat, though short hills around former mining areas and scattered small dams added challenges, requiring precise navigation and quick decision-making. The Long Distance event, on the other hand, tested riders' endurance over a wider area. The terrain was fast in many parts, with flatter stretches interspersed with short climbs. Riders had to maintain speed while navigating through dense areas and making sure not to miss the occasional less obvious track junctions.
NSW Competitors in Action: Sprint Event:
NSW riders made a big impact in the Sprint race. Robert Prentice (Newcastle orienteering) won the sprint race in M70, Alon Gudes from Uringa Orienteers took 1st place in the M14 category, while his father, Ori Gudes, claimed 2nd place. Andrew Power from Newcastle Orienteering Club narrowly missed a podium finish in M60, coming in just 39 seconds behind third place. Unfortunately, Carolyn Matthews from Newcastle Orienteering Club misspunched, but her determination shone through as she prepared for the next day’s event.
NSW Competitors in Action: Long event Event:
The Long-Distance event on Sunday was another triumph for the NSW team. Carolyn Matthews from Newcastle Orienteering Club dominated the W60 category. And Robert Prentice (Newcastle orienteering) secured his podium in 3rd place M70. Meanwhile, Alon Gudes continued his winning streak, securing 1st place in the M14, Ori Gudes did not race in the Long-Distance event.
Well done to all the NSW MTBO riders who made the long but rewarding trip to Victoria to compete! Now, we can look forward to our own state championships at Mt Annan and Appin. We have special promotions and prizes for the under-20 riders. So, if any of you are thinking about moving to the "fast side," (detail in eventor) this could be your chance to win some nice prizes as well!
