Event Advisors statement
Statement by the Event Advisor
The Finnish Championships in ski orienteering sprint and pursuit (WRE), as well as Vantaan hiihtorastit, will go ahead as planned, albeit not in perfect snow conditions, but in adequate ones. On behalf of the supervisors, I would like to make a few important comments that competitors should take into account.
Orange tracks and no-cut areas: These tracks are used because the landowner prohibits movement in the area outside the pre-agreed routes. It is crucial that we respect the no-shortcut rule so that landowners will allow us to compete on their land in the future aswell. It is prohibited to deviate from or join the tracks, or to ski across them anywhere other than at the intersections marked with track symbols. The start of the no-shortcut area and the intersections within it are marked in the terrain with blue V-boards. Making shortcuts outside these markings is prohibited. The prohibition is monitored, and violations will result in immediate disqualification. Please read the competition instructions and illustrations carefully once again to understand how everything works.
Condition and safety of the tracks: The snow conditions on the narrow forest tracks are not good, with sharp stumps and rocks protruding from the snow surface in places, and braking on downhill sections will wear away the snow surface as the race progresses. Keeping your equipment intact on these sections is key to a successful performance. Be careful and pace yourself. In open areas and on wide tracks, it’s time to go fast, but in the woods on narrow tracks, it’s time to be careful.
The longest series in the pursuit race, H/D20 and M/W21E, will visit a rugged hill area in the further end of the terrain with some very steep sections. Caution! The area has a first aid point marked on the map, where there is a snowmobile driver with a sled. Please note that there is one track marked with a mandatory skiing direction in the area! There is a supervisor at the top of the track.
There are some roads marked with black line in the competition area, some of which are prohibited and some of which are permitted for use. As the sanding seem to be operating unpredictably, a track has also been driven on either side of the permitted roads. It is the competitor’s responsibility to assess whether it is better to ski on the road or the track.
Enjoy the ski orienteering competition!
On behalf of the supervisory team,
Santeri Aikio
IOF Event Advisor