Mass Start closes Historic WUC Ski Orienteering

TULA – The final day of competition at the 2016 FISU World University Ski Orienteering Championship saw the men’s and women’s mass start take place. Competitors gave their last best in these closing events, looking to conclude the sports duties in Aleksin, Tula (Russian Federation) at the River Woods competition venue

The women’s race included 20 controls in 6.9 km and the winner was Mira KASKINEN from Finland (University of Turku) in 34:21s. Silver medallist was Anna ULVENSØEN from Norway (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) in 34:33s and Sonja MÖRSKY from Finland (University of Eastern Finland) in 34:45s.

The men’s competition consisted of 21 controls over 8.6 km and was won by Stanimir BELOMAZHEV from Bulgaria (National Defence College “G.S.Rakovski”) with 35:37s – his 3^rd Gold medal at this competition. Second place went to Jyri UUSITALO from Finland (Lapland University of Applied Sciences) in 35:48s, followed by Tero LINNAINMAA also from Finland (Tampere University of Applied Sciences) in 35:56s in third.

Interview with Dmitry KISILEV, FISU International Control Committee member

Passing the FISU Flag to the next host with on the right Dmitry Kisilev

What do you think about our Championship and its organization?

This was an exceptional Championship and very well organized in Tula. This is excellent and shows the commitment and continued support of Russia and its authorities to University Sport. The presence of Tula State University, from its Rector to the many volunteers present throughout the week proved how important these events are for the region and in fact for the country.

What do you think about ski orienteering in FISU?

It was clear that this event was important for the Orienteering family – not only the top athletes participated, but also the President of IOF was here to support and accompany all proceedings. He met with FISU President Oleg Matytsin and this is further proof of the excellent recognition that FISU and its events have at the highest levels. With Tartu (Estonia) hosting the 2018 WUC and Krasnoyarsk (Russia) the 2019 Universiade, this will secure the future of this sport and help IOF further implement it.