INTERNATIONAL competitors yesterday converged on Launceston’s Cataract Gorge in the first heats of the 2015 Orienteering World Cup.
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The popular tourist destination saw determined efforts from qualifying visitors, who were driven by the cheers and clanging bells of onlookers as they launched from the start line.
Many of those visiting the site watched on with apparent interest – whether familiar with the sport or not — with the orienteering proving an entertaining afternoon for all.
New Zealand orienteer Lizzie Ingham was third in her heat and said the short course provided many challenges for runners.
‘‘It was great fun, it’s a terrific area to have it around,’’ Ingham said.
‘‘It was really hectic at the beginning of the course, running in and around the spectators, but once you get over to the other side it’s a lot less busy — it’s quite confusing, there’s tracks everywhere.
‘‘The thing with sprint distance racing is it’s more about fast decision-making – certainly when it’s confusing it makes it a lot more technical rather than running fast and coming out on top.’’
She said her whole family was involved in the sport and she had continued her mother’s legacy of competing for New Zealand in the world championships.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten congratulated race organisers for securing the event.
‘‘It’s fantastic for Launceston, I believe there’s over 100 competitors in the cup,’’ Alderman van Zetten said.
‘‘We have people here from the mainland, Europe, all around the world — 25 countries — they are here experiencing our iconic Cataract Gorge and we’ve certainly turned on the weather for them.’’
European entrants, particularly those from the Scandinavian countries, were leading the day’s heats and had travelled to compete in the cup during their off-season.
Competition will continue today at Launceston’s University of Tasmania campus.