Challenging WC MTB-O in Gdansk

Last weekend we took part in the MTB-O WC in Gdansk, Poland. With only a few mountain-bike sessions this spring and even less map sessions we were not as well prepared as we wished to be, but still excited to race in Gdansk. Perfect training for ski-orienteering and great fun. However, although MTB-O maps might look similar to ski-o maps, the route choices are quit different due to the high speed difference on the different track qualities. The fact that we were allowed to bike all over the terrain made the route choices even more difficult.

To get some more experience before the WC races we took part in a national competition before the WC, a sprint distance at the coast (map below). Flat, lots of controls and high speed.

Polish cup, sprint distance

We did quit a lot of mistakes, specially the first days, but improved during the weekend and did at least end in the middle of the result lists in the WC races, with 15th (of 41) for Marte and 25th (of 63)for Christain as best result. Results can be found here: Results MTB-O Gdansk.

WC middle distance

WC long distance