Cancellation of EMTBOC and WMMTBOC in Finland (UPDATED)

[Updated 2020-08-31 with additional info about the new program]
[Updated 2020-08-24 with new program and WRE information]

The progress of the Covid-19 situation and particularly the changes in restrictions applied by the Finnish government in the past week has led to a decision to cancel all IOF MTBO events in Finland 9th to 13th September 2020. The situation today looks very different from the situation when IOF made the decision to go forward with the organisation of EMTBOC (including Juniors) and WMMTBOC at the beginning of July. At that point in time, Finland was successively removing entry and quarantine restrictions and it appeared across Europe that the Covid-19 situation was settling down. That is no longer the case and restrictions are being tightened in many European countries and not just in Finland. Concerns from member federations and athletes that were planning to enter has also been raised. As an international organisation we need to take our part in responsibly responding to the global pandemic.

IOF want to acknowledge the work done by the organising team in Finland, Event Director Kari Kokkinen and by IOF SEA (Senior Event Adviser), Mark Stodgell. Their hope and will of organising the Events has been strong.

The organisers have decided to still proceed with a new program with World Ranking Events.  SEA, Mark Stodgell, reports world class maps and courses and excellent terrain.

The programme shall be the following:

Friday 11th of September – Sprint race (WRE) – starting at 14:00
Saturday 12th of September – Middle distance race (WRE) – starting at 11:00
Sunday 13th of September – Finnish MTBO Championships in ultra long distance race – starting at 10:00

Classes: M/W 15, 17, 20, 21 (WRE), 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85

Further information and contacts:

For entries refunds questions, please contact the organiser email: info@2020mtbo.fi . The organiser will retain a portion of the entry fee in order to cover committed costs.

For general questions about the decision please contact IOF Officie on: iof@orienteering.sport

Keep updated on the organiser web page and facebook page.