Tricky Sprint in Scuol, 10 July 2016

The kick-off to JWOC is having the athletes race at maximal speed through 6 centuries of architecture: modern areas of town with shopping streets and a thermal bath alternate with old parts displaying traditional Engadin houses and narrow streets. The running technique has to match the respective area. Quick decisions in the winding alleyways are as demanding as tricky route choices.

Simona Aebersold (Switzerland, 18) is going to defend her title on home turf. Karoliina Ukskoski (Finland, 20) will also be at the start as last year’s bronze medal winner. The two Finns, Oli Ojanaho (19) and Topi Raitanen (20) are two of the favourites in the men’s class. They have to prevail against Simon Hector, joint favourite from Sweden (19). The two 20-year-old Swiss, Tobia Pezzati and Thomas Curiger shared the fourth position in 2015.