IOF Advisor Bent Galborgen considers the World Cup terrain in Lapua very interesting. The Norwegian advisor appointed by the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) visited Lapua in the beginning of December in order to get acquainted with the organisers as well as the arrangements.

Galborgen considers the Liuhtari area an excellent place for the qualification race. The terrain is partly open and partly situated in woods and includes some hills. The final race, however, will take place in the woods of Simpsiö and therefore will offer yet another challenge.

“In Central Europe sprint races are usually run in big cities. The surroundings of the old castles of Scandinavia also offer excellent terrains. Most Nordic orienteers are very happy for the final round to take place in woods yet some European orienteers on the other hand would prefer to run along the streets and around houses. Having said that, Lapua effectively combines both”, says Galborgen.

According to Galborgen, the preparations for the World Cup are well in schedule. He is pleased with the experienced and capable organisers. Galborgen also inspected the accommodation plans in Lapua with World Cup Event Secretary and Course Setter Juha Nivukoski acting as his guide.

The World Cup will be held just two days before Jukola Relay which also poses some issues.

“There will be approximately two hundred participants in the World Cup yet the race demands more detailed preparation than Jukola Relay. People may wonder why so much work is being put in for the sake of just 200 participants when Jukola Relay will see a crowd of 30 000. It is important to remember that these are, however, the world’s top 200 orienteers, who have invested a great deal of preparation, money and years of training into being able to take part. It’s therefore important that everything works completely smoothly”, Galborgen says.

In Galborgen’s view, however, one thing comes above all others: the ability to smile. He considers it to be one of the most important qualities that the organisers can have.

IOF advisor Bent Galborgen and Course setter Juha Nivukoski in Simpsiö woods.