A handful of Kiwis ventured to Spain/Catalunya for the World Masters Orienteering Championships held in Girona and hour North of Barcelona. Girona is also to be the host of the 2028 Sprint WOC. Right on cue Spain dialled up the heat with what is now known to be their “hottest” heatwave since at least 1950. For Girona that meant temps up in the 35 degree range with 60% humidity. Given the tragic event in China organisers with IOF approval made significant changes to starts, earlier and shorter windows which overall led to large numbers of people on course. For all events there were four different starts with 6-8 people starting every minute to get through the 2300 participants. In the 50s grades there were around 150 participants.

SPRINT QUALIFIER – Girona Old Town/Barri Vell
Start 1 – High above Girona in the Castell de Montjuic ruins, much like the star -shaped fort used in a Czech world cup a few years ago. A very technical maze like first 3 controls that caused large 4+ minute errors for some people. Then transitioning down into the old town. M50s winning time of 18 minutes well over the expected 15. Several Kiwis getting through unscathed to the A finals, and some sneaking in on the cut line.

SPRINT FINAL – Barri Vell
Simple early controls setting up most courses for a long diagonal uphill route choice leg with varied options and combinations of stairs or a very wide left route on cobbles executed perfectly by Bill Edwards and ending up with a Bronze in M55. Matt Bixley (M50), Martin Crosby (M65) finishing mid table in their finals.

FOREST QUALIFIER Final – Pals-Begur
Open white forest, ancient sand dunes with many many trails. In general the Forest Qualifier and Middle final courses were barely above Orange level with control always near a junction or out in the open and with many people on course it was obvious where they were. Very much runners courses. But very very hot. Bill

Edwards again the best of the New Zealanders with a 12th and Matt, Martin and Susan Edwards all doing enough to retain a place in the Long A final (there were promotions and relegations) Ann Bixley missed promotion to the Long final by only 1 place.

LONG FINAL – Cassa de la Selva
Much hillier but in equally well-tracked forest which made for a solid, but simple long distance event. It still required the choosing the best of multiple track options to minimise the climb. Bill Edwards a strong in 5th in M55 and sometime NZ rep Ted van Geldermalsen 2nd in M70. Matt Bixley improving on his qualifier ranking up to 35th and Susan Edwards 32nd in W55.
Official maps and results here

Matt Bixley’s maps, including all the WOC 2028 training maps are available here
By Matt Bixley