RESULTS for 2010 (and all previous years)

2010 Race Report

The only good day of the weekend greeted just under 200 competitors for the sixth Maunga Mission race .The usual fast start saw a bunch of 40 riders leading the field on the first 35 km bike ride. At the 20 km mark, team rider Sheldon Gorter broke away on a long climb, He managed to hold this break for about 10 km, before being gobbled up by the chasing pack. After a short rest Sheldon and individual Karl Moore made their move, gapping the bunch to finish 30 sec ahead of the rest.

Off the bike and into the famous 15 km scramble over Mount Mangatautari. Carl Moore and another individual Andrew Turnbull were first into the enclosure followed by team runner Hugh Allison with James Kuegler close behind. Hugh managed to pull off fastest run time and was first into the Maunga School transition, handing over to team cyclist Rod Weinberg, Andrew Turnbull was next, followed closely by Karl Moore. The short 15 km cycle has several short climbs which is hard on the individual's legs. Andrew kept Karl, an accomplished cyclist, at bay to the half way mark, and to his credit was still within striking distance going onto the water .Perfect lake conditions saw fast times for the 10km paddle. Andrew was able to close on Karl slightly but couldn't make his wash, Karl taking out the race by a close 15 sec in a time of 3.55.35 .

Next across the line was Bike Albany team of Grant and Sean Donoghue. A strong kayak by Grant saw him pass 3 person team, ” 2 Hare and a Snail” paddler Dave Soar on the water. James Kuegler took out third individual with a strong performance.

Rachel Cashin made it three wins at Maungatautari taking the womens race, from young up and comer Emily Wilson, followed by veteran Vicky Wickham. Local veteran Craig Brighouse took out mens vet, while local mountain goat Malcom Dunning won masters mens again.

The school section was well supported. Local St Peters boys team, “Giggdy” took overall school honours in 4.20.00 The all girls team all the way from New Plymouth Girls, the” Flying Frogs legs” were next in 4.56.24. Some schools took advantage of the rowing option for the last leg which works well . The only individual school competitor was Heather Davidson; after getting lost on the cycle she crossed the line in 6.46, a long day for her. Hopefully we can get more school teams involved next year.

The adventure Race Section saw 2 person “Team Expedio” take line honours, followed by the 4 person “Team Dole “, Then 2 person “Endorphine Junkies “ in third. This option is great corporate team building exercise. Also a mention for last person across the line, 64 year old individual Noel Mckay. Noel finished to much applause from the crowd at prize giving.

It was a stressful day for race organisers, with two competitors missing on the mountain until late in the day. Just as we were about to get search and rescue involved, the two wandered off the mountain, miles off course.

The big spot of a JKK 5.7 kayak went to Wellingtonian Martin Crundwell; a great gesture on his part saw him donating the proceeds of the sale of his current kayak to the Maungatautari Ecological Trust, the race also donated $1800 to this great cause. Overall an exciting day's racing .

Cheers Richard

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