Swiss precision triumphs in Cartagena as streets turn into a battleground for the Sprint Relay
CARTAGENA (ESP) – The 52nd World Military Orienteering Championship in Cartagena, Spain, continued to thrill on October 20, with the Mixed Sprint Relay delivering an intense and captivating contest on its third day of competition.
Amid the ancient fortresses and bustling streets of this historic coastal city, teams from around the world faced off, racing through Cartagena’s narrow alleyways and steep inclines. The urban terrain tested not only physical stamina but also the sharpness of mind as athletes navigated its complex twists and turns with speed and precision. Spectators were treated to a masterclass in orienteering, with the athletes demonstrating impressive skill, strategy, and teamwork throughout the race.
Switzerland emerged victorious, securing gold with a commanding time of 57:33.7. The Swiss team, composed of Paula Gross, Tino Polsini, Fabian Aebersold, and Simona Aebersold, showcased impeccable teamwork from start to finish. Gross laid down a solid foundation with a first leg of 14:54.0, followed by Polsini’s swift run of 14:47.0.
Fabian Aebersold extended the lead further with a remarkable 14:38.0. Simona Aebersold then anchored the team with a stunning final leg of 13:14.7, ensuring Switzerland’s dominance. This victory marks Simona Aebersold’s third gold medal of the championship, adding to her wins in both the Middle and Long Distance events.
France battled hard but finished second with a time of 58:52.2, just over a minute behind the Swiss team. Maelle Beauvir gave France an early lead with an impressive 14:06.0, while Basile Basset and Mathieu Perrin clocked solid times of 14:39.0 and 15:14.0, respectively. Isia Basset completed the race with a strong finish of 14:53.2, securing the silver medal for France.
Poland took the bronze with a time of 1:00:13.1. Agata Olejnik’s opening leg of 14:40.0 kept Poland competitive, while Piotr Parfianowicz and Michal Olejnik contributed times of 14:50.0 and 15:43.0. Aleksandra Hornik brought the team home with a final leg of 15:00.1, securing a well-earned place on the podium.
Austria and Switzerland 2 completed the top five with times of 1:03:43.0 and 1:05:43.0, respectively, but neither could challenge the Swiss first team’s commanding performance.
This thrilling relay has set the stage for today’s final event—the Relay Race—where even more excitement awaits. Orienteering enthusiasts can catch the action live on the Spanish Orienteering Federation’s YouTube channel !
Tune in to witness the world’s top military athletes push their limits in this prestigious championship!
Rewatch the Mixed Sprint Relay :
Follow the races live on the Spanish Orienteering Federation YouTube Channel and follow the event on the LOC Facebook Page and LOC Website.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
