2008 REGIONAL TROPHY – FIVE DAYS PUGLIA
EVERYONE CRAZY FOR THE “3+2”
A great first time. The experimental formula of “Five Days Puglia” (three races in the Umbra Forest and two in the historical city centres) studied for the 2008 edition of the Regional Trophy has revealed itself as a success. The important appointment of race orienteering, promoted by the Orienteering Academy in Puglia in collaboration with Park World Tour Italy and disputed in Gargano from June 20th to 25th, offered O-Friends the possibility to race for five days in a unique atmosphere, amongst beach wood forest, world famous historical city centres just steps away from some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.
The trophy reserved to the best regional representatives, was assigned last weekend in the Umbra Forest after the relay race (Saturday 21st) and individual races (Sunday 22nd), to remain on the bulletin boards in Trentino Alto Adige: the record holders before the aggressive Veneto in the lead after the first stage, a good Lazio; Puglia, the hosting region, classified eighth. The great outcome of the event, named this year “Italian Region’s Cup Fiso”, reflected by the international promotion wanted by the organizers, witnessed by the numbers: 143 relays effected in the first day of the races, 350 participants representing ten regions, all unanimously exalting the high technical grade of the race paths in Cutino d’Umbra by the map makers Daniele Danieli and Markku Joensuu, previous organizer of Jukola and Fin5, the most important international competitions in Finland. The appreciation of the Italians united with the enthusiasm already demonstrated by the 150 foreigners from 12 nations, of which Finland, Norway, Sweden and even Australia. From 5 to 70 years of age: the local inhabitants from Mount S. Angelo and Vico in Gargano witnessed the passing of small and great athletes, a demonstration that orienteering is a discipline that involves the legs but most of all the brain. “The Scandinavian athletes – commented Gabriele Viale, president of Park World Tour Italy
"Congratulated the organizers, for the outcome of the event and for the race paths familiar to them, very challenging. The possibility to enjoy the sea just steps away completed the rest, making them love the spectacular race areas. It was impossible not to be captured by the beauty of Puglia and the warm welcome extended by the local authorities, who made the days even more cheerful with local parties in the squares, tasting of enogastronomical specialties, dancing evenings and guided tours of nearby cities”.
Honour to the winners of the 1st edition 5 Days Puglia M/W 21: Summanen Aapo & Laakso Niina, both from Finland.
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