Map makers

Question: Can You please generally describe terrain for each competition and their specific features and challenges connected with mapping?

HUN
The terrain of the two Hungarian competition days is special because the terrain of Day1 is practically a mining area completely unsuitable for FootO, but the visibility of the area is very good. While on the second day the terrain is less visible due to the vegetation. On this day too, there are parts that we will not use for FootO later.

SVK
Relay terrain is picturesque in every way. There are semi open areas with many vegetation objects placed in old quarries and valleys with steep slopes. It is totally new terrain newer used for orienteering and probably will not be used anymore for foot orienteering due steep slope, a lot of uncrossable rock faces and on some places with unbeatable vegetation. It was very difficult to visit all areas in terrain and keep my own security on an appropriate level.

Tempo terrain will probably split competitors into two groups. Who will like stones, and second ones will have nightmares when they see black colour on the map again. You can find a lot of stones on the old map, and You can expect more of them on the new map.

Question: How different was it to create maps for TrailO compared to Foot orienteering ?

HUN
The objects had to be depicted within the rules allowed by ISSprOM, but in more detail than Foot-O mapping.

SVK
It was very different. Personally, I do not like it that much. The TrailO competitors are generally very demanding and sometimes they do not understand the technical reality of mapping. It is not possible to create a very detailed map with sufficient accuracy and readability.  I like generalization and it was a totally opposite requirement for creating maps for WTOC. I am usually not putting 50 percent of objects on the foot orienteering map which I put in these maps. I broke my established standards for mapping so you can enjoy very detailed maps with small generalization.

Question: Can competitors expect something surprising or interesting?

HUN
On these days, we used the usual markings. Competitors must be careful not to let the magnificent view distract them from the tasks.

SVK
Tempo and Relay terrain can little surprise be the style of mapping symbols “Uncrossable cliff” and “Gigantic boulder or rock pillar”. I normally use bigger generalization of rock faces especially on foot orienteering maps when they are uncrossable, but for the purpose of TrailO were rock faces mapped more detailed. What is visible from decision points has been given higher priority than whether it is really passable or not. Participants of the last WRE competition in Slovakia could recognize the use of the map symbol “Step or edge of paved area” for small rock faces which form natural steps. You can find on map outside of the Relay competition area interesting mobile bee hives mapped by symbol “Temporary construction or closed area” and complex areas of erosion gullies.

Course setters

Question: What do competitors can expect from course setters?

HUN
We were asked to organize the event later than usual; it was a late application and assignment. This left us with less time to choose the ideal terrain. Although the final areas overlapped by less than a third compared to the original idea, this resulted in an extremely diverse two-day PreO competition. Personally, I don’t like two types of problems and try to avoid them. One is solving based on bearing. On the one hand, the size of map symbols often covers a much larger area than the real object, and on the other hand, in an open area, someone will find a line that is uncertain. The other type of task that I don’t like is micro-relief tasks that are very close to the viewpoint (along the road). These are either too easy or involve some dirty trick.

SVK
Everybody who knows us can expect that the ability to orient oneself is first and foremost and that we are not fans of trailo specialties. Personally, we believe that every good orienteer should be able to handle the traps of TrailO without any problems. You will not find any tasks with description “between” in our competitions.

Question: Do you have some advice or recommendations for competitors?

HUN
I have one piece of advice and one preparation suggestion. I think that among the many strong and promising competitors, the decisive factor may be who can best manage their race time. The winner may be the one who does not rush to the solution, but who can also avoid the time pressure at the end of the race. In the past two years, Hungary has been extremely warm during this same time of year, with no precipitation. This is possible but based on the currently uncertain and constantly changing weather forecast, it could also be cooler and heavily rainy. Be prepared to protect yourself against both types.

SVK
It will be easy in relay. You need to go without mistakes in PreO (we firmly believe that it’s possible) and overcome the complexity of TempO, which won’t be gratis. We’re very curious to see how it goes.

In TempO will be important to master the transitions between different types of terrain, difficult and simple tasks to keep your concentration until the last second and then you will see. Versatility will be key to success. But the best tactic is to be the fastest and without mistakes 🙂 Good luck to all and enjoy it.

Question: Do you like or do not like Zero tolerance and why ?

HUN
I really like the introduction of Zero tolerance. It has reduced the occurrence of disputes. It helps to avoid troubles for both the competitors and the organizers. For example, Zero tolerance has eliminated the tasks and arguments that were due to the flag being on the north or northeast side of the object, which is 1-2 meters apart. Although, when designing the World Championship courses, I experienced that this sometimes goes against my ideas, as using Zero tolerance sometimes makes it easier for the competitor to solve the task, or a task must be avoided in the design phase because the possible zero point is too close.

SVK
Our opinion is that Zero tolerance is the best thing that could have happened to us, it allows us to focus on the orienteering and not on faith and fantasy. It is a pity that it is still not entirely clear how to use it correctly and many course setters clearly ignore it. The primary thing to understand is that Zero tolerance is intended for competitors to better enjoy the course, and they do not solve pseudo-problems by guessing or speculating. Zero tolerance must not solve the organizer’s mistakes. The Zero tolerance is for competitors not for organizers!

Organizers

Question: How difficult was it to combine organizing WTOC in two countries?

HUN
We probably wouldn’t have taken on the task of organizing the WTOC alone. It was reassuring for us that we had professionals behind us in the person of Dusan and Jan, who had already seen several world competitions from the organizing side. So we primarily saw the advantages of joint planning.

SVK
Organizing WTOC is not easy from any point of view, and we had to solve some new tasks especially related to cooperation and sharing information. This format has advantages and disadvantages too. It is necessary to coordinate common things, but on the other hand it is easier to concentrate only on some disciplines. The primary advantage is allocation of human resources. It is easier to find volunteers for three days compared to the whole week. There are asymmetric costs for each country, and you need to agree well on a large scale of topic in advance.

Question: Are there some specifics compared to other championships ?

HUN
Although the terrain and courses are different in the two countries, I believe that the approach to course setting is similar. In recent years, both sides have participated in many competitions and training sessions that were held in the neighboring country. So I think the two “cultures” have influenced each other.

SVK
The good relations between countries are probably the most important beginnings. We are very glad that we could cooperate with Hungarian colleagues and strengthen our friendship.  The terrain and courses are more different between countries, which brings greater variety. There are some synergy effects, but you can expect higher overall cost (traveling, accommodation, more materials, volunteer costs, etc.).

Question: Do you have some favourites for each competition ?

HUN
Preo discipline
On the classic course, it’s not just the young people who have a chance to win medals. The best competitors are extremely balanced, so the one who can perform best on both days of the competition can win. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say an Italian in the Open category, and a Ukrainian in the Para category (in Jana’s absence).

SVK
Relay discipline
The P – class category is always very unpredictable. It will be necessary to master the PreO part, but the TempO will probably also be decisive. Sweden and Ukraine should be among the favourites. Then probably Finland, maybe Czechia.

We believe in the Czechia, Finland, Italy, and Norway in the Open category. The question is how it will turn out for Germany, Poland, and Sweden. It will require balance because we prefer quality in the whole team. We tried to make the courses as equal as possible for each leg.

TempO discipline
We again believe Czechs (Ondřej, Pavel, Šimon), the Finns (anyone can succeed there) and the Italians (again a very broad and high-quality team) are the big favourites. We are very curious about Ben, Kristian, Laura, Ralph, both Anders, Arno, Geir, …, but anyone can surprise us. Young racers are a special category who can pleasantly surprise. But first all need to master the qualification and then we will see. We mainly hope that you all enjoy it. Of course, we hope (dream) of a decent result for the Slovak team and some individuals too.