Switzerland won the women’s relay and Norway the men’s relay at the European Orienteering Championships in Ticino, Switzerland.
In the women’s competition it was Switzerland 1 or 2 in the lead through the entire relay. Judith Wyder In Switzerland 1 ran a great first leg and came first to the changeover. On the second leg young Simona Aebersold in Switzerland 2 ran an impressive race and was first at the second changeover, with Switzerland 1 one minute behind. Julia Gross in Switzerland 1 ran a solid race and passed the Swiss second team in the beginning of the course. Sarina Jenzer, Switzerland 2, was the second team to the finish but as only one team per nation counts in the European Orienteering Championships, the teams behind the two Swiss teams had a battle for the other medals. And what a battle. Sweden with Karolin Ohlsson was in clear silver medal position, but a mistake on the third last control opened it up. After a strong finish Karolin Ohlsson managed to pass Russia, Norway and finally Denmark on the way into the arena. Sweden won the silver after a very tight sprint finish battle with Maja Alm of Denmark who won the bronze.
The first leg in the men’s relay was tight with 10 teams within 21 seconds at the changeover. Magne Daehli in Norway 1 ran a good second leg coming first to the second changeover followed by Switzerland 2 and Switzerland 1. On the last leg it was a battle between Olav Lundanes in Norway 1 and Daniel Hubmann in Switzerland 1. The long leg to the 17th control was decisive. Olav Lundanes ran straight and got a 30 seconds lead, a lead he kept on the last loop. Switzerland 2 finished as third team overall. France won the bronze medal after a strong last leg by Frederic Tranchand.
Results EOC Relay
Women:
1) Switzerland 1 1:45:56
Judith Wyder
Elena Roos
Julia Gross
2) Sweden 1 +2:11
Lina Strand
Sara Hagstrom
Karolin Ohlsson
3) Denmark 1 +2:13
Cecilie Friberg Klysner
Ida Bobach
Maja Alm
Men:
1) Norway 1 1:55:40
Eskil Kinneberg
Mahne Daehli
Olav Lundanes
2) Switzerland 1 +0:30
Florian Howald
Matthias Kyburz
Daniel Hubmann
3) France 1 +3:07
Nicolas Rio
Lucas Basset
Frederic Tranchand