Matt: This is Facebook, Michael.
Michael: Yeah well just pretend.
Matt: Could we leave the fireside chat for the pros like Darren?
Michael: He did look so comfortable there in front of Jamie's
fire.
Matt: He won’t be looking comfortable after this weekend.
Michael: Good segway.
That’s what we’re here to talk about.
TONIC. You’re pretty confident in your claim that Riverhead is something
special. Why?
Matt: There is a simple answer. Challenge. As orienteers we
are in continual pursuit of maps/terrain that challenge our technique to its
very limits. Every time I run in Riverhead, I find new challenges. From the
beautiful forest floor which saps your energy to the low visibility, head
height, native vegetation which means that you can be standing next to a 5
metre hill and not be able to see it. The map is close to perfect as well,
therefore you can have full confidence that any mistakes you make will be of
your own fault. But in addition to challenge, another emotion will be invoked
this weekend. Pleasure.
Michael: Nick Hann has completed the mapping. He's young but
produces great maps?
Matt: Nick 'the mapping genius' Hann. I am quite confident
that he is one of the finest mappers in NZ, if not the world. His eye for
detail, and attention for the rules, means that he produces fair, legible maps
which just look awesome! You can read about the Riverhead map at the back of
the TONIC bulletin. The basemap was poor, due to the dense canopy, but the
final product is close to perfection!
Michael: You've been up there doing plenty of testing of the
map and courses yourself?
Matt: The map is perfect, the courses are perfect! I have
put maximum effort into this event. There are some legs in the long distance
with route choices I just have no idea which way I would run. I figure that
makes them good route choices. The courses have been thoroughly tested; I have
been to every control site multiple times. One session I was running the
prologue courses as intervals. The challenge in orienteering is always, you
versus the course setter. I wonder if anyone will beat me this weekend! The
controlling of the event has also been thorough with Greg making sure that the
courses are enjoyable as well as demanding.
Michael: You've anticipated my next question about the course
setting. Sometimes it's hard to cater for the full range of courses but you
think you've made the event enjoyable to the non-elites too?
Matt: Yes definitely, in organising a big event like TONIC it’s
important not to focus on just the elite courses. Of course, I have spent the
most time on the JWOC trial courses, but I have spent the rest of the time
equally across the remaining courses. For example, I ran Red 6 to gauge its
physicalness in order to deem it appropriate for the oldies. The white, yellow
and orange courses have a spectator run through in the prologue, probably a
first for orienteering! But I love each of my courses, and I think they have
been set so that everyone will find some enjoyment in the forest!
Michael: The JWOC field probably has its biggest depth for a
long time. As a previous winner what does it mean to have so many vying to
follow in your footsteps?
Matt: It is inspiring to see so many juniors coming through
the system. It is a credit to the hard work and dedication of people like Mike
Beveridge. I cant wait to see the next Junior World Champion from NZ! However,
it is going to be tough for the juniors over the next few years as they head
into battle in scandi terrain. The thing that inspires me most though from
these juniors is the passion that these kids have for the sport! If you love
the sport then you will be with it forever!
Michael: The Men’s JWOC team will feature a number of orienteers
who have already competed at that level with Tim and Nick pre-selected. What do
think the selectors will be looking for at this trial?
Matt: Clean, stable runs. The trials are not so important
for them, however the setup will be very similar to JWOC with warm up maps,
separate start times etc. So it will be good an excellent opportunity to practice
'big race' orienteering.
Michael: Completely agree. I think some selections will be
based on recent results stretching back into late 2013. You note that JWOC is
moving into the Scandinavian countries for the next few years. Any tips for
those selected when planning their European trip? What helped you to success?
Matt: Plan and train in relevant terrain. For example, this
year those who are thinking about running JWOC next year should consider going
to Norway on a training camp. It is more relevant and can be just as fun, if
you get a group of people, as competitions like Oringen etc.
Michael: Tell me about the sprint. Gene's planning. You've
seen the courses?
Matt: I have test run the course. It is a fun sprint with
some good route choices. The area is not that complex, but Gene has done a good
job with the course setting. It will be an awesome opening to the TONIC
weekend.
Michael: Any picks for the weekend? Who’re picks in the M20E
categories?
Matt: I have a feeling we might see very different podiums
each day. My picks for the three races are Cameron for the sprint, Shamus for
the middle and Tim for the long with dark horses Devon, Matt, Tommy, Ed lurking
in the background.
Michael: And for the W21Es? Hawkes Bay all the way or will the
Auckland locals dominate on home turf or perhaps the lasses from Wellington?
Matt: I expect Kayla and Alice to dominate the sprint, but
the middle and long will bring the field closer together at the top end. Behind
Kayla and Alice there are a whole group of talented girls. It will be
interesting to see how they handle Riverhead.
Michael: Well thanks for the chat Matt and best of luck for
the weekend. The weather looks like it has joined the party. Looking forward to
hearing from the event each day. Wish I
was there!
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