The Norwegian TrailO Control of the Year 2015: Widar Taxth Løland and Gunnar Olsen are the winners

The Norwegian TrailO Control of the Year 2015 is awarded to Widar Taxth Løland and Gunnar Olsen, as result of a challenging control set for the PreO i Sør Day1, in a perfect scenery, on the Southwest coast of Norway. Searching for details, the Portuguese Orienteering Blog met Martin Jullum and brings you the full story.

Every year, the blog PreOEliten promotes an original contest named “The Norwegian TrailO Control of the Year”. This is a private initiative of Geir Myhr Øien and Martin Jullum, blog's administrators, and it has been organized every year since 2010. According Martin Jullum, the aim of the contest is “to give attention to the good work that is being done by the organizers and course setters (and event advisors) in particular”, adding that “it was also our hope that course planners would learn from the best and thereby increase the quality of Norwegian events”. And it's also a way “to acknowledge those doing hundreds of hours of work to put up the best possible competitions for others”, Martin states.

The candidates selection was based on proposals from the Blog's readers and on Martin and Geir own judgement. “We pick out about 10 candidates, trying to get some variety in the type of controls and events represented”, Martin explains. Time controls and TempO controls were excluded for being somewhat different in style and possibly harder to judge their quality. The four finalists were submitted to a Jury and the verdict was clear on giving the victory to course planner Widar Taxth Løland and controller Gunnar Olsen, for their work on the 9th Control of PreO i Sør Day 1, at Fevik. Both have received a diploma and Widar Tatxth Løland saw his name on a trophy which he will keep for a year before it is passed forward to next year's winner.

A little History of the contest

The format of the contest have changed slightly through these years. The first two years, the winner was decided by the PreOEliten' readers solely by voting on the controls that they've suggested. This, however, may have given an advantage to larger events with many competitors, since one does not typically vote on controls who hasn't seen “in real life”. The last couple of years, the blog's administrators just sent the four controls with the most votes - maximum one control per competition - to a jury to decide which one should be the winner.

Below is a summary of the winners:

2010: Control 7 OL Vallset/Stange PreOcompetition; course setter Ole Arnt Skaaraas, controller Odd Håkensen

2011: Control 3 Norwegian Spring TrailOday 1, course setter Martin Jullum, controller Knut Ovesen

2012: Control 14 Norwegian SpringTrailO day 2; course setter Martin Jullum, controller Knut Ovesen

2013: Control 18 Lierbygda PreOcompetition day 1; course setter Arne Ask, controller Martin Jullum

2014: Control 19, Mjøs PreO day 2; course setter Geir Myhr Øien, controller Egil Sønsterudbråten 

2015: Control 9 PreO i Sør day 1; course setter Widar Taxth Løland, controller Gunnar Olsen.

[Photo courtesy: Martin Jullum]

Joaquim Margarido

Ivica Bertol: "TrailO Relay isn't ready yet to become official"

Born in Zagreb 34 years ago, Ivica Bertol is our guest today. He met Orienteering in 2008, after 13 years in Archery. Ivica is a nature lover, spending his free time cycling and making furniture. And he is also a Trail orienteer. Let's know him a little better.

How did you meet Orienteering and, in particular, TrailO?

Ivica Bertol (I. B.) - After finishing my Archery career, I was looking for a sport where I could enjoy the nature on a bike, but not just riding. So, I heard about MTBO and after a few months of practice I discovered TrailO. I found it more suitable to my physical condition after a car accident, and I've been on since then.

What attracted you the most - and still attracts - in this discipline?

I. B. - I was most attracted because of the less importance of physical skills. In TrailO, the concentration and mental stillness is crucial for achieving good results!

I remember well your gold medal last year in Italy in the Team competition. Would you like to recall how emotional was to be on top of the podium?

I. B. - Of course, it was a fantastic moment, full of emotions, which still makes me happy to remember. In a really tough competition, the details decided the winner and it was the confirmation of many years of quality, continuity and stability of our team.

Apart the World title in 2014, could you mention some really memorable moments in your TrailO career before the Croatian journey?

I. B. - Yes, I remember two great moments, both in 2010 and in the Team competition: The silver medal at ETOC, in Sweden, was my first great result and the beginning of a series of medals. We also won the bronze medal at WTOC, in Norway, which was my first World medal.

How did you prepare for the World Championships WTOC 2015 hold in your home country?

I. B. - I must admit that I don't have a special way for preparing myself! My preparation consists, mostly, in organizing events, trainings and lectures, and thus to prepare for the competition.

For just 3,5 seconds you stay out of TempO Final and finished 2nd in PreO, but I believe you are aware that things could have gone better. Would you like to share with us the way you see your performances in the last WTOC?

I. B. - Yes, unfortunately I couldn't reach the TempO final and I must admit that I didn't expect a better result. But it will come one day. Totally different was the situation and the result in PreO. What still bothers me a little are the two or three mistakes I did on the first day. Things went better on second day and I could achieve my first individual World medal so far, even thinking that I was able to do better.

I ask you to mention the best and the worst of the Championships.

I. B. - Unfortunately, the terrible weather conditions had a big influence on the competitors' performances, so the first day remains as my worst memory, especially when I saw the paralympic (in wheelchairs) competitors hardly progressing on the muddy trails. But, as I said at the time, the organizers did everything they could to solve the problems. I keep some nice memories from the other days because of quality tasks and maps, but there is one day that can be singled out as the best and this is the second day where I had all the right answers, and took the first place :)

How did you see the results overall? Were there many surprises?

I. B. - Well, I have to admit that Ukraine was a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, I expected some more from Norway and Sweden but TrailO is an ultimate sport in which small details make all the difference, resulting in big changes in the final standings.

Do you feel that, in some way, Trail orienteering is improving in Croatia? How important was to host the WTOC 2015 for the future of TrailO in your country?

I. B. - Our work has brought TrailO to a higher level in the recent years and the WTOC 2015 just confirmed and proved that. We are ready for the next steps, having the knowledge and people for doing it. Some small steps have occurred after WTOC 2015 but there is still a lot of work to the next goals.

We had a demonstration of the new model of Relay, which will replace the Team competition from now on. What is your opinion on this matter?

I. B. - My personal opinion is that TrailO Relay isn't ready yet to become official and I see no reason why to replace the Team competition, simply removing it from the WTOC's program.

Some see that would be important to divide the Paralympic class in "wheelchair athletes" and "stand up athletes". What's your opinion?

I. B. - In my opinion, the classification in Paralympic class is not correct (in most sports there are two, three and more classifications, depending on the weight and part of the body that is injured. TrailO can be harder to competitors in a wheelchair because of weather conditions and their position close to the ground and with a more reduced vision! Then we have the Paralympic walking competitors unable to jump, with lower speed of movement as open class competitors and quickly getting tired and unstable on their own feet. Finally the open class, without restrictions. Sometimes I hear comments that is fair for Paralympic athletes in wheelchairs and walking to compete together , but it isn't. One might also ask if it's fair to compete together Paralympic walking competitors and open competitors. It's the same! I think IOF should adopt, as in other sports, different Paralympic classes, at least defending the wheelchair competitors from the Paralympic walking competitors!

Have you already set your major goals for this season?

I. B. - Yes. To qualify for ETOC and WTOC, to win as many medals as possible, to teach new competitors how exactly to solve tasks and also enjoy orienteering. It will be the best season ever!

In the beginning of a new year, I would ask you to make a wish to all orienteers.

I. B. - Have fun, enjoy and be as accurate as possible :)

Joaquim Margarido

Portuguese Orienteering Blog blows four candles

The Portuguese Orienteering Blog is celebrating today its fourth anniversary. Four years of full dedication to Orienteering, trying to share with you some of the best moments in our Orienteering world. For the next years, I can promise you hard work and news always fresh. And, of course, I'm waiting for your comment to the blog's dynamic as a birthday gift. Is the Portuguese Orienteering Blog in the right way? Would you like to see more news and less interviews? More polls and less “things I know about it”? More maps and less photos? More FootO and less MTBO/SkiO/TrailO (or the contrary)? Your comments are important for an even stronger blog!

Joaquim Margarido

Andrey Lamov: "I don't really like to lose"

Andrey Lamov is one of the biggest names in Ski Orienteering of all times. To his enormous experience, the Russian adds an unquestionable talent, reasons why he's currently the nº 2 in the IOF World Ranking. After uneven performances in the World Cup 2015/2016's first round, Lamov already projects the next weekend's competition, taking the opportunity to talk about himself, his career, opponents and ambitions for the future. And leaves us with a wish, both original and practical.

The first question is always the easiest: Who is Andrey Lamov?

Andrey Lamov (A. L.) - I was born 29 years ago, in a place called Cherepovets, in the Northwest part of Russia. I graduated at Vologda Pedagogical University, in 2009, in Physical Education. My mother worked in a Sport School as Orienteering coach so I tried Orienteering pretty early. I always liked sports and started competing at the age of 8.

SkiOrienteering is your discipline since the beginning or we're talking about an “upgrade” from XC Skiing or Foot orienteering?

A. L. - First I did mostly Orienteering and a little Skiing. Later, at the age of 11 or 12, I've tried Ski orienteering and I liked that. Since I had already been quite good at Skiing I had success in youth classes. I'm still in love with Orienteering and Skiing and I try to compete in both as much as I can.

What are your most valuable skills, those who turn you into the current nº 2 in the World SkiO Ranking? What skills would you like to have that you still haven't?

A. L. - I always liked Orienteering but in Ski orienteering I found much more action and that's why I decided to concentrate myself on it. I've been working a lot on my weak sides and I want to get it perfect on every race, I don't really like to lose. That is maybe what helped me to rise my skills up. During the last years I reached a good stable level which makes me believe that I trained right. Now I'm able to be on top three in any World Cup race. One thing that I'm still missing is a gold medal on WSOC. This is my biggest goal for now. Next ESOC is also important and I'm looking forward to have fun in sunny Austria.

What is your best memory ever in Ski orienteering? And the worst of all your experiences?

A. L. - Winning the Relay in Kazakhstan 2013 is one of my best memories in Ski orienteering ever. I remember how nervous I was before the start. On the last leg we started off together with Sweden and Finland teams. Petter Arnesson, who had won all individual races the previous days, went for Sweden and a strong Staffan Tunis for Finland. I haven't seen them on that race but I felt that they were somewhere very close to me. This feeling kept much adrenaline on me. I made a good race there and finished first with the national flag. I also had many bad races in my carrier which I consider as good lessons for the future.

You took a great result in the World Cup 2015/2016's first round, last December, by winning the Middle Distance race. What do you keep from Yllas, Finland? Was it the way you expected to be for starting the season?

A. L. - In Yllas I was in quite good shape although it was very early in the season. After a bad Sprint race, I focused on the Middle and made it exactly how I wanted: reliable and fast. On the Long Distance I broke a pole and finished quite far behind. I didn't get overall points there that I was hoping for, but this fact turns the competition in the World Cup's second round much more valuable if I want to fight for the Overall World Cup.

How do you feel for the competition in the Ore Mountains, Germany, next weekend?

A. L. - I competed in Russian Cup a week ago and it went perfect for me, but afterwards I got a little bit sick and I was four or five days off training. Now I feel better and I've already done two ski trainings. I'm very glad to feel that my body did a good response. Not perfect but good. We have two more days before the World Cup starts and I hope it will be enough to recover totally.

I believe that your attentions are already pointing to the European Championships, in Austrian, where you'll be defending your gold in the Middle Distance. What do you expect from the competition?

A. L. - All I feel about ESOC now is the expectation of skiing in the alpine sun. There are not so many sunny days during winter in the region where I live and that's why I'm longing for competing there.

Talking about the competitors, how do you rate your adversaries? Is there anyone in special that you like to beat the most?

A. L. - The first round showed that it's going to be a tight fight for the World Cup overall. There are five or six athletes showing good stable performances. I don't usually think about my opponents on the competition but I can say I liked to compete against Hans Jorgen Kvale and Staffan Tunis. I liked to see how serious HJ was before the races. It felt like there was nothing else in his head before the start but the race itself. I liked to watch that because I wanted to get that too in some way. I'm usually not that serious before a race and sometimes it doesn't work weel for me. I competed much against Staffan also.This guy impressed me when he could manage a tough race with big winning gap. I'm missing them this season.

How do you see the new wave, with names like Ulrik Nordberg, Tuomas Kotro, Tove Alexandersson, Tatyana Oborina or Frida Sandberg?

A. L. - It is always good to have young strong athletes on international level. Younger athletes are hotter of the race they want to beat more experienced ones. They add special colours to an event and don't let relax the older ones. I think it's very good that young athletes can bring competitiveness to any race.

Ski orienteering in the Olympics, is it an utopia or do you believe in dreams becoming reality? What is still missing to Ski orienteering to receive such recognition?

A. L. - I think Ski orienteering has no other way than to get into Olympics. I believe that, sooner or later, it will come true. We need to show to people how exciting this sport is, to learn how to film the sport in a way that normal people can understand what we do. I'm glad that we have Hans Jorgen Kvale as marketing manager in IOF. He's young and ambitious and he's devoted to Orienteering. I know that he's working hard for Orienteering and I believe that many good changes are coming.

The Ski Orienteering season is very short and we can see some ski orienteers using the “pause” to compete in FootO and MTBO. What about yourself? How do you keep the good shape between March and November?

A. L. - I do Foot orienteering in summer with pleasure. I compete for IFK Mora OK in big relays and you can meet me on O-ringen as well. I would like to try MTB orienteering someday but one things stops me: I'm a terrible mechanic :)

Would you like to share your biggest wish?

The biggest wish for now is a better Russian Ruble exchange rate :)

[Photo: Erik Borg / orienteering.org]

Joaquim Margarido

"Is Facebook killing Blogger?": Jan Kocbach

“Is Facebook killing Blogger?” During the last three or four years, I've been worried about this subject and decided now to explore it with your help. Let my give you an example, a kind of starting point: We have in Portugal a webpage lodged in the Portuguese Orienteering Federation's site, which is called OriOasis. It's kind of a “mini-World of O” site, where 23 Portuguese Blogs and Sites are represented. More than a half of them are completely dead and only six blogs have articles published in 2015. Five of them have 25 articles overall published along the past year. The other one, Orientovar –www.orientovar.blogspot.com –, has 390 articles published. Orientovar is my personal blog and I know what I'm talking about; but I also have to say that I had in the last times around 80 visitors each day, while that number, three years ago, was higher than 400 visitors each day. At the same time, I can see that the “dead blogs” administrators, are still quite active on Facebook, which mean, probably, they moved their attentions from Blogger to Facebook in an almost definitive way. And I must add that Orientovar is over now. So, I'm trying to listen some top bloggers about this subject. Emily Benham, Catherine Taylor, Mikhail Vinogradov, Lizzie Ingham or Hans Jörgen Kvale are some of the bloggers that expressed their opinions here. Today we have Jan Kocbach's feedback. Of course, you're also free to participate, leaving your contribution on the Portuguese Orienteering Blog's commentary corner. We'll certainly appreciate that!

Is Facebook killing Blogger?

Jan Kocbach (J. K.) - The way people use Internet is changing. People are using more social media these days, and people do often not have the attention span to read long articles as they did earlier. This is not only about orienteering - you see the same in many parts of society. You need a lot of time to prepare an article and to publish it on your blog, and when people do not take the time to read the complete article, that makes bloggers lose some of the motivation to write. Also, you can often get more (positive) feedback from two lines on Facebook than from a two page article on your blog - so why use hours to write a blog entry?

Most of feedback it's often kind of “likes” or something... Are we, orienteers, getting lazy?

J. K. - I think orienteers were lucky to have many more blogs than other sports for a long time - and although it is going down, it is still not bad compared to others. So, I think it's more a question of modern society, than being lazy. You seldom get many comments on a Blog page, but you can have lots of messages from people on a Facebook page or on Tweets. I see the same for World of O. These are quick comments but, the more you answer, the more you get. And the likes... many people like it, of course. So, I think it's a lot about positive feedback.

Do you feel a decrease of visits to World of O?

J. K. - I have now more people coming to World of O by Twitter or Facebook to see things I write myself than earlier, and that's part of the reason why I'm writing more - as well as to keep up interest. I do however see some decrease in visits at the front page, because there are now less athletes writing regular blogs - but nothing dramatic. On the other hand there is a lot of focus on maps, analysis and other parts of World of O.

I could notice that you've, at least, fifty “dead” pages for the last six months. Is there a connection between this fact and people are using more social media?

J. K. - I don't think there are fifty dead pages the last six months though - it is rather several years since I cleaned away the dead pages from the right info-column. But the number of athletes who update a blog regularly is going down - and that is of course a pity for the orienteering community. Also, of the ones contacting me to get their blog included, several “survive” shorter than they did before, maybe only half a year or a year. It has however been nice to see lately that some athletes like for example Cat Taylor, Mårten Boström and Mari Fasting have renewed their blogs and webpages, and I also included some new webpages lately - so this is not black/white.

What's your advice to those who have blogs and feel disappointed with the way things are going?

J. K. - The international orienteering community is still very positive towards interesting English-language Blog-articles - I see that very clearly at World of O. Especially if they get to hear stories and see maps from areas which are outside the traditional places for orienteering. You don't have to be Thierry Gueorgiou to get many readers if you put some work into what you write. Combine World of O, Facebook and Twitter to get readers to your Blog. The advantage of a Blog is that people find everything in one place when they want to see it. You never know who gets to see the Facebook and Twitter messages if they are offline for a few days - then Facebook and Twitter has moved on to other stories.But the stories in your Blog are much easier to find back to later. That's why I encourage you to not give up, even if Facebook or Twitter are taking some more attention these days.

Joaquim Margarido