The JWOC 2007 long distance event was held in classic Australian granite country south of Dubbo. Europeans dominated again although today the Australians had the pleasure of seeing two podium finishes. Simon Uppill placed 4th and was looking likely to be in the medals right up to the closing minutes of the event. Vanessa Round finished 6th. All credit to these competitors.
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Today’s event centre was in an arena with excellent viewing of three spectator controls: the first on a specially constructed wooden platform, the second at the top of a long chute descending out of the trees and the third, a control high on a hillside just below a pair of spectacular granite pillars. It was a perfect day weatherwise although the recent rain made travel on 6km of farm track tricky, particularly for the several buses which had to be towed out.
Apart from one standout performance the NZ team did not feature as prominently as yesterday. Thomas and Simon started right at the end of the field and it was clear even by the first spectator control that chasing the leaders was going to be a lonely endeavour for them. Greta Knarston was the toast of the team taking out 16th place – her second “top 20” placing in two days. An excellent effort Greta - we are mighty proud of you!
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