Description: A new map introduced to STB in 2012, and an instant favourite amongst the urban sprinters. The map covers a vast majority of the ‘Art Deco Capital of the World’ that is Napier city. You’ll need that 6th (or even 7th gear) for this stage, the terrain is super fast urban style with some areas of park and intricate building detail.

HBOC’s SI-guru, Pamela Morrison in the caravan.

Jane’s nephew, James and Phillip.

Callum and ?

I was absolutely thrilled when I finished this one! The placing wasn’t any better, but I was almost perfect, and I didn’t jump over any olive green like a bunch of others did. Today, it just felt like fitness holding me back instead of me just giving it away with bad orienteering. And, before I downplay my effort by saying the orienteering was trivial, the woman in 2nd place through 9 controls made huge errors from 9-10-11 and finished one place behind me. So, yeah for me! And, I didn’t mispunch.

(Courtesy of P. Herries.)

(Courtesy of P. Herries.)

Race stats: 2.3 km, 5m climb, 17 controls
Garmin distance: 1.83 miles with 1 m climb
Place: 20/23
Time: 21:02
Time lost:
Time per km: 9:08
Finish split: 4th – 16 seconds, with 1st at 15 seconds.

After the race, the Oceania sign was retreived from a nearby orchard.