Gelderman teaches a few lessons in Australia

Helensville's Marquita Gelderman has won all three open women's titles on offer at the Australian mountain bike orienteering championships in New South Wales.

Gelderman, who has twice finished in the top 10 at the world championships, proved too strong for her Australian competition, winning the middle, sprint and long distance titles.

A large contingent of New Zealanders headed over to Australia, under the guidance of Rob Garden.  They are looking to continue the development from Australia onto a European voyage in mid-2008.

Leading results (Australian unless noted):-

Middle distance

Elite women: MARQUITA GELDERMAN (NZ) 52min 01sec 1, Thorlene Egerton 1hr 1min 34sec 2, ANGELA ECCLES (NZ) 1:03.30 3.

Elite men: Adrian Jackson 1:05.30 1, Alex Randall 1:12.46 2, Damian Welbourne 1:15.14 3. Also: MARK LAWSON (NZ) 1:20.20 7.

Sprint distance

Elite women: GELDERMAN 18.34 1, Egerton 21.11 2, Melanie Simpson 22.38 3. Also: ECCLES 23.20 5.

Elite men: Jackson 22.20 1, Randall 23.24 2, Matt Hope 25.59 3. Also: LAWSON 27.34 6.

Long distance

Elite women: GELDERMAN 1:56.34 1, Carolyn Jackson 1:57.02 2, Simpson 2:14.04 3. Also: ECCLES 2:23.16 2.

Elite men: Jackson 1:42.28 1, Randall 1:55.37 2, Stu Adams 2:01.51 3. Also: ANDREW BOTT (NZ) 2:09.10 5.