21.07.2023 -
Stage 5 of the Swiss O Week on July 21st, 2023, on Nagens had to be aborted shortly before 10:00 due to heavy wind gusts and rain. After an interruption in function (due to heavy winds), the return transport went smoothly via the Arena Express from Nagens to Flims. The last runners reached Flims safely after midday. Therefore, the 5th stage will not be counted, thus only 3 results count for the overall ranking.
The OC of the Swiss O Week is aware that the realization of competitions in the Swiss Alps is strongly dependent on the weather. The general weather situation during this week was unstable and difficult to predict. In the run-up to the event, a replacement stage was planned for this SOW. However, last Tuesday, considerable storm damage occurred in the forest of the replacement stage "Crestasee". For safety reasons, an orienteering event in this area was no longer possible.
Based on yesterday's weather forecast, which predicted thunderstorms for the Nagens area to occur only in the afternoon, the OC SOW decided then to hold today's stage on Nagens but to bring it forward by one hour. Based on the dynamic, constantly changing weather of this morning, the stage was cancelled on the advice of the meteorological service and the railways WAG, as renewed thunderstorms and violent gusts were to be expected.
The organizers of the Swiss O Week and the railways WAG are pleased that all people arrived safely back in the valley. We thank you for following the instructions, your understanding and patience.
All runners with Day registrations who could not start due to the cancellation of the race will be refunded Fr. 40.- by the SOW and the railways WAG. The participants of the whole SOW, who could not start at stage 3 on the Vorab and/or today at stage 5 Nagens due to the cancellations, will be issued a voucher of Fr. 25.- per stage for the next SOW 2026.
The OC of the Swiss O Week will address the participants before today’s evening program, July 21st, 2023, and will be as follows:
20:00 Announcement of the OC
followed by Presentation of the destination SOW 2026
20:30 Presentation "New route choice analysis tool from OCAD".
The Swiss O Week information desk in the SOW Event Centre will be open as usual. Starting tonight, runners’ maps who could not start at stage 5 can be picked up at the information desk.
We wish you a relaxing evening and will be happy to welcome you tomorrow as planned at the race centre for stage 6.
OK Swiss O Week
