The national kits have been gathering dust in drawers around the world for over 250 days since the World Cup final in Finland last September, but now it’s finally time to see them again.
The 2025 Orienteering World Cup begins this week in Idre Fjäll, Sweden with three forest distances.
After the qualification race on Wednesday, it’s on to the long distance on Thursday, the middle distance on Saturday and the relays on Sunday.
Just over 300 athletes from 30 different nations have registered for the races, which take place at an altitude of 700–900 meters above sea level.
The mountain terrain mostly consists of coniferous forest with very few green areas and some open spots. The physical fitness will definitely be put to the test on the hills and moderate to steep slopes.
Some of the runners will be familiar with the terrain, as it was last used for a round of the World Cup in 2021.
Aebersold and Fosser start title defence
Simona Aebersold (SUI) and Kasper Fosser (NOR) are defending World Cup champions after their overall victory last year. Aebersold only took first and second places in last year’s World Cup and put an end to Tove Alexandersson’s (SWE) impressive streak of nine overall wins in a row. Alexandersson came in second, while Natalia Gemperle finished in third place.
After a somewhat disappointing start to last year’s World Cup, Fosser found his way to the podiums and won with almost 100 points ahead of Martin Regborn (SWE). Fosser’s compatriot Eirik Langedal Breivik came in third.
Follow the World Cup from home
The World Cup round can of course be followed through high-quality TV productions on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
On IOF TV, you get access to commentary in English, German and Finnish with a ticket.
It costs 9/25 EUR for one/all races.
This and front photo: Joni Solonen
Norwegian viewers must use langrenn.com, where there is Norwegian commentary.
In Sweden, the competitions are broadcast on SVT, in France on TV8 Mont Blanc and in Estonia Sunday’s relays are broadcast on Duo6.
Get the full overview in IOF LIVE
Programme:
2025 Orienteering World Cup Round 1
All times: CEST (UTC +2)
Wednesday, June 18
Qualification
11:00 First start W+M
Thursday, June 19
Long
11:00 B-finals, first start
13:05 First start, W
15:00 First start, M
15:45-19:50 TV Broadcast
Saturday, June 21
Middle
12:30 B-finals, first start
14:40 First start, M
15:50 – 19:30 TV Broadcast
16:25 First start, W
Sunday, June 22
Relay
10:50 – 15:05 TV Broadcast
10:59 Start, W
13:05 Start, M