William has had a pretty tough week, where he has done everything to double the foot orientation with the precision orientation. It worked for the first four days, but on day five the time was too short for the Landehof orienteer to focus on the PreO stage. But he was more than happy to do so, as he led after the opening four days.
The lead was two points to runner-up Jonas Eriksson, who so far had surprised both himself and others with really good efforts. But as I said, William had two points to spare for the final day. A margin that was extended to five points in the final stage, as Jonas had three errors more than William.
Lennart Wahlgren, Rehns BK, was about to pass Jonas with two points better on the final stage. However, Jonas had a much better time overall on the week's time checks and tripped Lennart on the silver medal.
But for William they could do nothing. William who thus won the O-Ringen's elite class for the second time. The last time William won was in Sälen in 2016.
What made you the victor this week?
- The smoothness, no clapping any day. At least sixth on any stage, declares a very satisfied winner.
How do you think the competitions have been?
"It has been very challenging and varied orienteering. And it was a wonderful first stage on the mountain (which was run on the second day due to fog on Sunday)", says William.
In the A-class, it was a superior victory for Andreas Davidsson, Alfta-Ös OK. The 3-1-2-1-1 etap positions resulted in victory with a full eleven point margin to Lars Silvervret, OK Hedström who took second place thanks to better time on the time controls than third place Magnus Eliasson, FK Friskus-Varberg.
After the competition, there was a cake party and toast to the top-3 in the elite and A-class. But also a celebration for the course designers and race leaders Owe and Eva Fredholm who took the opportunity to celebrate a golden wedding, as it was their 50th wedding anniversary on this closing day.
Congratulations to Owe and Eva and all the prize winners!
Text: Ulf K. Rask