WOC in the future

[andy]

I think what you need (for live coverage at least) is pre-prepared graphics and a knowledgeable analyst who can talk the viewer through the likely route choices and follow the GPS to see where competitors are going. This would mean that someone at least would have to have prior knowledge of the courses - not sure how flexible IOF would be on this?

this.
every event I've worked/helped at the commentator has had prior knowledge of the course, Per was keen to get involved in the planning process at both prior S6D and PWT, so he can ensure the show he can put on isn't hindered. I'm sure he'll have had some input in courses at WOC and will definitely have seen them beforehand. Events like WOC need lots of pre-planning not just from course planners etc but from the main event media team too.

[AndyC]

I think what you need (for live coverage at least) is pre-prepared graphics and a knowledgeable analyst who can talk the viewer through the likely route choices and follow the GPS to see where competitors are going. This would mean that someone at least would have to have prior knowledge of the courses - not sure how flexible IOF would be on this?
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Well already it is known by Planner/s, Controller/s and importantly printers adding another body from within the sport doesn't sound that much risk?
And as his tasks during the event should be minimal couldn't the planner be the "knowledgeable analyst"? At least other officials would know where to find him!

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[andy]

The World Orienteering Championships isn't about "what would be the most entertaining form of orienteering to watch online", it's about deciding who is the best orienteer in the world. His name is Thierry and he didn't run the sprint. France are favourites for the men's relay, they would have no chance in the mixed sprint.

Is that all WOC is about? I don't think so. Watching WOC makes me want to do more orienteering as an example, I'm all enthused and can't wait to get back into the forest/city (;)) asap. Yes the main outcome of WOC is to determine the best in the world but if it can be used for other means such as increasing participation and showcasing the sport then why not?
Just because format is better for one country than another doesn't mean it shouldn't be included, new formats are good to see, as long as they are well thought out. I can't wait to see a chasing sprint, it's going to be amazing. Mixed relay I'm less excited about, but who cares if a team isn't going to do as well because they have a weak team of one sex or another? It's the same at the moment, if a country has two amazing runners and nobody else they aren't going to win the WOC relay. I don't think it'll change much at the top of the sport but hopefully help include countries 'lower down' in the rankings.

but an example of why you shouldn't sell your sole just to get on TV.

I'm not sure what selling your latest catch has to do with anything.
but seriously, more TV coverage is awesome to see.

[Big Jon]

"They [IOF] killed to World Cup because they could get more money from having a WOC every year. The realised they can make even more money be still having the World Cup every year."

IOF had a discussion about WOCC and World Cup a few years ago (when both were biennial) - the WC was costing too much for nations, and the result was a WOC and WC every year. Strange bit of logic there!

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[andy]

There is no chasing sprint, I think Graeme misread chasing middle.

Yes that's what I had in my head too, just that graeme/JOK have their 'chasing sprint' which is actually a 'chasing middle'

[Scott]

What frustrates me slightly is that the people who are coming up with these new ideas are not the people being affected.

Well, the decision is being taken at General Assembly at WOC 2012. The option of retaining the traditional relay still seems to be on the table, so the athletes have a year to lobby their national federation presidents/chairmen and convince them to vote in favour of keeping it.

And having stayed with the Kiwi squad in Slovenia, I feel I should point out that there's a World Cup race in New Zealand in 2013 and they are all very excited about it (but yes, aside from that it is just more Switzerland/Sweden/Finland/Norway).

[andypat]

Which one of the new events is going to be the previously hyped mass start one? I am confused. Is it now a chasing start instead?

[andy]

mass start long, chasing middle?

[Scott]

As I understand it, the chasing start for the Middle is instead of the mass start that was originally being discussed (quote from the WOC in the Future review: "Chasing start is clearly preferred over mass start as a "first-to-finish" format.") The Long is being left as it is.

[andypat]

I'd agree - I didnt think the recent mass start event that i watched via a dodgy internet connection (cant remember what it was for) was that exciting from an O perspective. If we want to know who's the fastest over the run in just use the run in splits

Its interesting how quickly things change though isnt it - I guess its possible the mixed relay might go the way of the mass start too given a few months of reflection....

[graeme]

graeme/JOK have their 'chasing sprint' which is actually a 'chasing middle'

Indeed. And its name predates any IOF definition of sprint/middle. It may never have been on TV, but over the years we've learnt how to do the course design so it seldom comes to a final sprint. Not trivial, but certainly possible.

The World Orienteering Championships [is] about deciding who is the best orienteer in the world. Thierry

Nope, they sold that pass twenty years ago (which was a shame). Who was the best orienteer in the world last year? What do you think the 2007 WOC sprint champion is trying to achieve today?

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[EddieH]

I would say that the middle final is probably the best TV of the lot - particularly when it is in such fabulous terrain as this year.

Surely people can understand these adjusted time graphics, and also the entertainment of Peter Pihl wombling about off the map for quarter of an hour

It has to be more entertaining than watching a 10000m track race, or a marathon.

Surely the sport can sell that.