Report by Graham Urquhart, Octavian Droobers.
During the lockdown, UK Trail Orienteers and newcomers have still been training at a wide range of Pre-O virtual events which are all open to all. These provide an opportunity to improve map and control interpretation, and to see terrain online in a wide range of locations around the world. Many of these are local events and one-off competitions mixing forms of Pre-O with other challenges such as Google map-based competitions, but some make a real effort to be like the real competition and provide an excellent introduction and training opportunity.Most notable is the TORUS trophy competition – link here. This is based on a simulation of normal TempO, provides results including control by control timings and gives a great opportunity to review and understand the problems after completing the competition to understand the challenges. A twice-weekly competition, it is using maps and terrain that has previously used in international competitions either photographed or simulated.
It is also attracting many new participants across the world including many from the UK, who are getting excellent individual results. As a result, Manchester and District Orienteering Club (MDOC) won the club competition at the last event and are currently 4th overall in the club completion. After 2 events and GBR are currently lying 3rd behind Finland and the Czech Republic (as at 24 May 2020).
The competition is open to anyone, and extensive instruction and training opportunities are available, though you need to register to gain access. So, while we cannot get out into complex terrain and if you feel the need for top-quality technical training why not join in. For the time being, the IOF is promoting these events on IOF eventor.
For more information please visit https://eventor.orienteering.org/Events