WMOC 2018 in London?

[Arnold]

There was recently a debate as to whether England could hold a WOC. Well, we think it certainly has the potential to hold a World Masters champs with a mixture of decent long terrain and iconic sprint races, plus the draw of London as the host city.

So SLOW has decided to give it a go and bid for the 2018 WMOC. The idea is to base it in London for the sprints (with iconic venues being worked on) and take public transport out to the long races. BOF is supportive of the bid and our deadline for submission is the end of the year.

Hopefully we can put together a cracking bid that will make it obvious that London is the right choice.

If anyone is interested in hearing more or helping out, please get in touch by pm.

[andypat]

Thats a great idea - would that be the first "home" WMOC?
Although possibly not a home race for us by then...

[DJM]

"WMOC" 1994 was held in Strathspey, except that it was called the Veteran World Cup in those days - still an IOF event though. The name change to WMOC occurred in 1998.

[EddieH]

Summer and English undergrowth?

[DaveK]

Summer and English undergrowth?

and public transport.

[EddieH]

In all seriousness with only one exception I've found wmoc, at least the final (I'm talking long here) outstanding, and I cannot think that anywhere in the south east can do that for me - or is that because i'm familiar with the terrain?

[graeme]

I believe the World Cup in Surrey was very well received. Last year's BOC was the best since Culbin. There's too much scandi-envy in the UK, we have some decent areas throughout the country: no need to look for whatever looks most like Norway. One of the great delights of orienteering internationally is the variety of countryside one gets to visit.

Hurrah for SLOW! They'll probably have a better choice of sprint areas than WOC
I would be worried about the undergrowth though...

[awk]

In all seriousness with only one exception I've found wmoc, at least the final (I'm talking long here) outstanding

Our race in Switzerland was pretty ordinary (qualifiers were better). Was that the one?

[Arnold]

Well clearly the long won't be squiggly TD5+ stuff. But I think it will be decent enough.
The main candidates at the moment are Epping, Mytchett and Ash Ranges.

And then we are working on some knock out sprint areas which I would hope would tip the balance (plus the appeal of London as compared to a nice-but-dull bit of Central Europe).

Very happy to hear any more suggestions!!

[Mrs H]

it's a great idea which will hopefully attract a greater number of our ageing numbers to take part in WMOC than usual. Good luck with it.

[Freefall]

Could you perhaps consider 2019 when I am an M65?

[EddieH]

Epping - that's interesting - definitely a quality area, but in the summer? If it is then I change my mind.

I have to admit that Mytchet is a joy to run in and probably is okay for vegetation.

Ash hardly!

[SeanC]

Big events are often in Epping in September, vegetation can't have died down too much by then. Epping South West probably best avoided. Epping East is maybe the best at that time of year?

[andy]

I'll be an old man by then, so yes please!

[denbydale]

In many past WMOC sprints the area has been 'locked down' and traffic free - can't see that happening in London. To be honest take out the Barbican and Lincolns Inn areas and I don't think the City is particularly challenging