The reigning Orienteering World Cup champions Tove Alexandersson (SWE) and Kasper Fosser (NOR) seem to be on their way to defending their titles after round 2 of the 2023 Orienteering World Cup.
Tove Alexandersson shared the lead with compatriot Sara Hagström before going to Czechia. But after three impressive wins by Alexandersson last week, she has now got 480 points in the standings.
Sara Hagström is in second position after finishing third, fourth and third respectively in the Czech races, bringing her total to 350 points. Simona Aebersold (SUI) climbed to third spot (277 points) with Natalia Gemperle (SUI) following closely behind with 255 points.
After Gemperle, there is quite a gap to fifth placed Norwegian Marie Olaussen (170 points) and the current number six, Andrea Svensson (SWE) who has 145 points.
In the men’s World Cup standings, the top 3 is similar to the podium places in Sunday’s long distance race in Czechia.
Fosser 53 points ahead
Kasper Fosser leads with 373 points and is followed by Swiss Matthias Kyburz (320 points) and Sweden’s Gustav Bergman (270 points).
Rising star Jannis Bonek (AUT) climbed to fourth position after his middle distance win in Czechia. Bonek has 176 points and is 11 points ahead of Emil Svensk (SWE), while Martin Regborn is 8 points further behind in sixth position.
The 2023 Orienteering World Cup will be decided at the European Orienteering Championships in northern Italy from October 4 – 8, where a Sprint, Sprint Relay and Knock-Out Sprint await.
Photo: Tomas Bubela