Defending champion will have tough start for 2010 Orienteering series.

Although tagged as the underdog Darren Ashmore, 2009 SILVA Superseries orienteering champion, is keenly anticipating the first round of the 2010 series races.

After an outstanding return to form in 2009, winning his seventh National title and a place in the World Games team, Ashmore should have been hot favourite for this years Superseries.

"I've been training really well and have got myself sharp and focused" he said from his Rotorua home.

But the return to New Zealand of World Games team-mate Ross Morrison, from his Danish training base, means the favourite tag rests firmly on the shoulders of the 25 year old sprint star.

Morrison has improved steadily in his first five years as an elite, culminating in a 10th place at the 2009 World Games Sprint, and wins in two major European races - the JK Sprint and the Danish Park Sprint series.

Throw in a home advantage for Hawkes Bay raised Morrison for the first round of SILVA Superseries races at "Sprint the Bay" and Ashmore title is sure to be under pressure.

"The only way the first round could be any tougher would be if Chris Forne popped back from his Norwegian base." Ashmore quipped. "And with a large group this year of superfit and focused National Squad members, its sure to be the most competitive series ever. I don't mind being the underdog - it should be good."

Those Squad members looking to impress include former National Sprint Champion and Junior Worlds representative Tom Reynolds, National Long distance champion and former World Champion (Relay) Carsten Joergensen and former World Adventure Racing Champion Brent Edwards.

The 2010 SILVA Superseries Orienteering commences at the Sprint the Bay weekend in Havelock on Friday January 22, with two scoring results from the six sprint races around Hawkes Bay.

Live results will be posted to www.twitter.com/NZOSuperseries
More information at www.maptalk.co.nz/superseries/

Sprint The Bay timetable
Friday 22nd of January
Stage 1- Havelock North Village
Saturday 23rd of January
Stage 2- Arataki
Stage 3- Tainui Kerunga
Stage 4- Frimley Park
Sunday 24th of January
Stage 5- E.I.T
Stage 6- Napier Boys High School
 

Chris Forne sets another NZ orienteering best
Sunday, 15 August 2010

Norwegian 1-2 at World Orienteering Championships
Friday, 13 August 2010

Canterbury orienteers qualify for Long distance Orienteering final
Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Forne and Morrison through to Middle distance final.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Double win for Switzerland at the World Orienteering Championships Sprint.
Monday, 9 August 2010

Sixth place finish for Simpson at World University Orienteering Championships.
Thursday, 22 July 2010

Major setback for New Zealand World University Championships Orienteering team
Monday, 19 July 2010

Fine finish for New Zealand at Junior World Orienteering Champs.
Sunday, 11 July 2010

Sweden dominates at Junior World Orienteering Champs.
Saturday, 10 July 2010

Three through to finals at Junior World Orienteering Championships.
Thursday, 8 July 2010

New Zealand orienteering team face impossible task
Thursday, 8 July 2010

Long distance results, Junior World Orienteering Championships, Aalborg, Denmark.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010

Great start for Simpson at Junior World Orienteering Championships
Monday, 5 July 2010

The wait is almost over for NZ Junior Orienteering team.
Sunday, 4 July 2010

NZ juniors on fire as New Zealand Pinestars win last round and the Test Match against the Australian Bushrangers.
Monday, 7 June 2010

Aussie foxes chase down Kiwis in second trans-Tasman Orienteering Test Match.
Sunday, 6 June 2010

Juniors dominate first race of trans-Tasman Test Match.
Saturday, 5 June 2010

Trans-Tasman Orienteering Test Match is just the beginning for orienteers down under.
Thursday, 3 June 2010

New Zealand's strongest ever team looks to excel at World University Orienteering Championships.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010

2010 NZ Club relay Orienteering championships
Monday, 5 April 2010