The just ended European Championships in Hungary didn’t just give us three exciting and tough races. We also found out who has the best chances to win the 2024 Orienteering World Cup, which will be decided in Finland at the World Cup final in September.
In the men’s category, Kasper Fosser (NOR) took a big step towards his third World Cup title when he took over the lead from Martin Regborn (SWE) with a silver and gold medal in the Middle and Long respectively.
Fosser, who won the World Cup in 2021 and 2022, now has 314 points, while Martin Regborn is in second place with 237.
Regborn’s compatriot Emil Svensk is in third place with 212 points, while Daniel Hubmann jumped up to fourth place with 198 points after his silver medal in the long distance in Hungary.
Eirik Langedal Breivik (NOR), who surprised by winning the EOC middle distance, is the new man in fifth place and 194 points, while Joey Hadorn (SUI) is just four points behind in sixth place.
Matthias Kyburz (SUI) is the defending World Cup title holder but has not competed in any competitions this year due to his Olympic participation in the marathon.
Aebersold on course for first title
In the women’s category, Simona Aebersold (SUI) is still on course for her first overall Orienteering World Cup title after two great races in Hungary, where she won gold in the middle distance and silver in the long distance.
With 440 points, she increased the lead over compatriot Natalia Gemperle, who after a silver medal and fourth place at the EOC has 370 points.
Tove Alexandersson (SWE), who has won nine World Cup titles in a row, has 337 points in third place after a fourth place in the middle and the European long distance championship title.
This is followed by a large gap of more than 100 points down to fourth place, which Norway’s Andrine Benjaminsen (228 points) has taken over after her two bronze medals in Hungary.
Hanna Lundberg (SWE) is in fifth place with 173 points, while Venla Harju (FIN) sits in sixth place with her 156 points.
Swiss lead Team competition, close battle for second
In the Team World Cup, Switzerland has a lead after EOC by more than 150 points, while Norway and Sweden are second and third respectively ahead of the World Cup Final in September.
Norway is 223 points ahead of Sweden.
Finland is in fourth place with more than 1000 points to catch up on their neighbors from Sweden in third.
Find the full World Cup standings here
Photo: William Hollowell