BULLETIN 4 [PDF]

WELCOME
The Latvia Orienteering Federation is pleased to welcome the participants of the second MTBO World Cup round 2024 and the U23 World MTBO Championships to Smiltene – a small and green town of Latvia! We are pleased to offer an excellent terrain for competitions and at the same time – compact organisation as all the points of interest for athletes will be reachable within 5 minutes by bike!
 

1 ORGANISATION

1.1 Organisers

Latvian Orienteering Federation

1.2 Organising team

Latvian Orienteering Federation in co-operation with the Municipality of Smiltene
 
Event Directors                 Gunārs Ikaunieks (competition, arena)
Ildze Straume                    (event centre, Fin&Adm, marketing, accommodation, media, ceremonies)
Event Secretary                Inese Purgaile
Course planner               Mārtiņš Lasmanis
Map                                    Māris Strautnieks
                                            Mārtiņš Lasmanis

1.3 Event advising / event control

IOF Senior Event Adviser:          Sixten Sild, Estonia
National Controller:                      Guntars Mankus, Latvia

1.4 Information and contact

Latvian Orienteering Federation
Grostonas iela 6b, Rīga, LV-1013, Latvia
Inese Purgaile, phone: +371 29751855, e-mail: info@mtbo-wcup.lv
Web: http://mtbo-wcup.lv
Competition/ event office: Sports complex Teperis, Smiltene
 
Media contact
gita@impct.agency
Gita Sauka
+371 28326828
 
The MTBO World Cup and U23 World MTBO Championships are organised under the authority of the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) www.orienteering.sport.

2 VENUE

2.1 General map of the region

2.2 Event centre (EC)

Information about the EC

• The EC and Event office will be located in Smiltene, at the sport complex Teperis.
• Address: Kalnamuiža, Smiltene, LV-4729, coordinates:
• 57.430905, 25.920274

 
Opening hours of the event centre and event office
 
How to get there
The EC is located approx. 2 km from Smiltene centre
 
Public bus schedule from Riga to Smiltene can be found at https://www.autoosta.lv/time-table/?lang=en
 

3 TRAVEL AND TOURIST INFORMATION

3.1 Visa requirements

You do not need a visa if you come from EU or Schengen area country.
Other international travellers may be required to hold a Latvian visa prior to travel to Latvia, depending on your country of residence. For more information, please see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. If you require further assistance, please send an email to info@mtbo-wcup.lv.

4 TRANSPORT

The competition centre/finish arena is the same of all competitions. It is located next to the Event Centre and can be reached by bike/on foot.  The organisers do not offer any transport from the EC to the competitions.
 

5 EMBARGOED AREAS

All potential participants (competitors, coaches, team officials, etc.) must observe embargoed areas. Other persons associated with a potential participant or a national team must also respect embargoed areas if their knowledge of the terrain could influence the results of the competitions.
Any attempt to survey, train or do orienteering in an embargoed area is strictly forbidden unless explicitly permitted by the organiser.
 
The embargoed areas are published in IOF Eventor: Embargoed Areas for MTBO World Cup round 2, Smiltene, Latvia (orienteering.org)

6 EVENT PROGRAMME

Thursday, July 4
9:00 – 20:00    Event office is open – accreditation                           Event centre
12:00               Deadline for team changes and late entries              Event Office
13:00 – 18:00 Model event                                                                 Mežoles iela, Smiltene
15:00               Competition entry deadline - sprint distance IOF Eventor
18:00               Team officials‘ meeting - sprint                                 Kalnamuiža 44
 
Friday, July 5
09:00 – 18:00 Event office is open – accreditation                           Event centre
13:30               Quarantine entry closes                                             Event centre
14:00               First start WCup sprint                                                Arena
~15:40             Flower ceremony                                                        Arena
15:30               Competition entry deadline – long distance              IOF Eventor
15:30               First start Public race (WMS, YGS, Open)                  Arena
18:00               Team officials’ meeting - long distance                     Kalnamuiža 44
19:00               Opening and prize-giving ceremony                          Smiltene
 
 
Saturday, July 6
08:00 – 18:00  Event office is open                                                    Event centre
10:00               Quarantine entry closes                                             Event centre
10:00               First start WCup long distance                                   Arena
~15:40             Prize-giving ceremony                                                Arena
15:00               First start Public race (WMS, YGS, Open)                  Arena
15:30               Competition entry deadline – mixed relay                IOF Eventor
18:00               Team officials’ meeting – mixed relay                      Kalnamuiža 44
19:00               Reception at Smiltene municipality for team leaders
 
 
Sunday , July 7
08:00 – 15:00 Event office is open                                                    Event centre
09:50               Quarantine entry closes                                             Event centre
10:00               Mass start mixed relay                                               Arena 
12:30               First start Public race (WMS, YGS, Open)                  Arena
13:00               Prize-giving ceremony and closing ceremony           Arena
14:30               Prize-giving ceremony Public race                             Arena
 

7 MAPS AND TERRAINS

The most recent versions of previous orienteering maps of the competition terrains are accessible on the organiser’s website https://mtbo-wcup.lv/old-maps.
 
All maps are printed on water-resistant paper and are made according to the IOF International Specification for MTB Orienteering Maps ISMTBOM 2022 (see https://orienteering.sport/iof/mapping).
 

8 CLASSES AND PARTICIPATION

• In the World Cup there is one class for women (called Women) and one for men (called Men). There are no age restrictions.
• In the U23 World MTBO Championships there is one class for women (called Women U23) and one for men (called Men U23)
• All competitors must be citizens of the country of the federation they are representing.
• Competitors participate at their own risk. Third party insurance and personal injury insurance is compulsory and is the responsibility of the competitors’ federation or themselves.

• All competitors represent a federation. Each federation may enter up to 6 women and 6 men for all individual competitions plus the current World Champions for the distance. Additionally, each federation may enter up to a further 2 women and 2 men, who qualify for the Women U23 and Men U23 classes respectively, in each individual competition. Only competitors who are entitled to compete in the U23 classes may be entered there.

• The additional U23 competitors are entered for the classes Women or Men. The entry procedure is the same as for Women and Men.
• All competitors entered in Women or Men who are aged 23 or younger will automatically also be ranked in Women U23 or Men U23.
• In 2024 the titles of Women U23 World Champion and Men U23 World Champion are awarded in Sprint and Long distance.
• In the Mixed Relay, each federation may enter a maximum of 4 teams of 3 riders. Each team must include at least one woman.  Incomplete teams and teams with cyclists from more than one Federation are not allowed. Under no circumstances may persons other than entered competitors participate in the competition.
• Each competitor must have a valid IOF Athlete Licence.

9 ENTRY

9.1 Entry procedure

• Entries for the second World Cup round and U23 World MTBO Championships are made in IOF Eventor.

IOF Eventor - Event information: World Cup Round 2 in MTB Orienteering and U23 World MTB Orienteering Championships 2024

• Participants may only be entered by their federations.

9.2 Entry deadlines

Competition entry deadline   

• This is the deadline to confirm each team member’s entry for this competition. All team officials are asked to submit the names of the competitors who will start in each class and the cycling order in the relay. This can be done as follows:

• Enter the names in IOF Eventor.
• Hand in the provided paper forms to the event office at the event centre.

• For Sprint, the competition entry deadline is 15:00  on the day before the race. For the Long and Relay, the competition entry deadline is 15:30 on the day before the race.
• Changes are possible until 12 noon on the day before the first race of the event.
• In individual competitions, between the competition entry deadline and two hours before the first start in the class, a competitor may be replaced for a valid reason (e.g. accident or illness).
• In the Relay, changes of names of the relay team members and/or their cycling order must reach the organiser at least two hours before the start of the relay class.

 

9.3 Entry for World Master Series, Young Guns World Series and Open classes

• Entries were open from January 1, 2024 in www.mtbo-wcup.lv.  

On competition days it is possible to register for OPEN courses as long as maps are available.
 

10 FEES AND PAYMENT

10.1 Participation fees

All fees are in Euros and – except the Relay – per person.

10.2 Late entries and changes

Entries after the deadlines will be accepted. For late entries and changes an additional fee will be charged:

• surcharge of 20 % for entries after the team size deadline
• surcharge of 50 % for entries after the team names deadline
• fee of 10 € for name changes after June 30, 2024

10.3 Payment

Deadline for payment

• Full payment of all entry and accreditation fees must be made no later than May 25, 2024.
• Late payments will be subject to an additional fee of 10 % of the total amount.

Payment should be done to:
Latvijas Orientēšanās federācija
Banka: Luminor bank
SWIFT: RIKO LV 2X
IBAN: LV14RIKO0002013111372
Invoices for entry fees can be requested by writing to lof@lof.lv
 

10.4 Cancellation of the event

If the event has to be cancelled after May 15, 2024, the organiser will retain (or charge) 20 € per participant (competitor or team official) to partly cover committed costs.

10.5 Withdrawals and refunds

• Refund of 80 % for withdrawals after the team size deadline of May 15
• Refund of 50 % for withdrawals after the team names deadline of June 30

11 ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

The official accommodation is within walking distance from the Event Centre, both hotel and hostel type rooms. The deadline to book accommodation and food via the organiser has passed.
 
Pre-ordered lunch (Saturday, Sunday) will be available in the finish area in exchange for a voucher. Vouchers for ordered (and paid) meals will be in the team bag handed out at registration.
It is not possible to order lunch anymore, but food, drinks and snacks will be available in arena for purchase.
 

12 SERVICES

• Bike-wash facilities will be provided in the arena
• There will be secure bike storage at the official accommodation

13 COMPETITION RULES

13.1 Information about rules

The second round of the CX80 MTBO World Cup and the U23 WMTBOC will be organised in accordance with the following rules valid at the time of the event:

• IOF MTBO Competition Rules
• Special Rules MTBO World Cup

All the rules can be found at https://orienteering.sport/mtbo/competition-rules.  
 
Further general MTBO rules:

• Competitors must get to all control points with their bikes.
• The bicycle must always be with the competitor.
• Wearing a rigid safety helmet is compulsory during competitions and training sessions.
• Riding outside the mapped area during the competition is not allowed.
• In Latvia one drives on the right side of the road. Competitors must therefore ride on the right side on all roads and tracks.
• National traffic rules must be followed.

13.2 Information about off-track riding

Off-track riding is allowed.

13.3 Controls not situated on paths

In the Sprint there may be off-track controls in rideable open areas. They will be set so as not to require control descriptions.

13.4 Deviations from rules

In the sprint competition the start interval is reduced to 1 minute.

13.5 Anti-Doping

Doping is strictly forbidden and the organisers of World Cup MTBO are dedicated to supporting the anti-doping authorities in their work. Doping tests are always carried out in accordance with the procedures described in the WADA International Standard for Testing. The IOF Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code apply. Athletes who are selected for the doping tests must bring an official identification (with photo) to the doping test area. The athlete should also bring along their therapeutic use exemption (TUE) if applicable. In general, it is advisable that the athletes bring along their ID to all the competitions and events.
For more information and anti-doping documents, please consult:
https://orienteering.sport/iof/anti-doping
 

14 COMPETITION INFORMATION

14.1 Punching system

SPORTident AIR+ (system for contactless punching with SI Active Cards SIAC) with a working range of 150 – 180 cm will be used. The organisers will supply each competitor with 1 SIAC which will be used as the primary punching card. Competitors may use their own SIAC as a backup card.
All SIACs provided by the organiser must be returned to the event office as soon as possible after the last competition. Team officials are asked to return all SIACs of their team in one go according to the SIAC list handed out at accreditation. For missing or lost SIACs € 80 will have to be paid in cash.
Using a backup/second SIAC does not mean that the punches from the primary SIAC and the backup SIAC will be merged to form the punching record by default! The data recorded in the backup SIAC will only be used when the main SIAC did not work properly, i.e. in the case of failure of the main SIAC during the race. The backup SIAC cannot be used to rank a competitor if they lost their main card.
To make sure that all controls are recorded by a possible backup SIAC from the beginning, both SIAC must be carried in close proximity to the main SIAC (e.g. on the same hand or arm). No minimum distance must be observed.
In addition to the unit for contactless punching, there will be a classical/non-contactless SI unit at each control, which is a backup for failure of the punching unit but also for failure of the SIAC.
Athletes are advised to check the battery of their SIAC(s) at the station SIAC BATTERY TEST in the event centre or the arena well in time before their start.
Participants are advised to study the Guidelines SPORTident AIR+ in MTBO, which are available at https://orienteering.sport/mtbo/internal/event-organising/organise-mtbo-events/.

14.2 Course details

Winning times in minutes (according to the IOF MTBO Competition Rules)
 
 

14.3 Team officials’ meetings

• The team officials’ meeting will be held at 18:00 on the day before each competition.
• The meeting will take place at the Kalnamuiza 44, Smiltene.
• A maximum of 2 team officials per federation may attend the meeting.
• The agenda for the meeting will be according to appendix 5 of the MTBO Competition Rules.
• The information from the meeting will be published on the organiser’s website MTBO WCUP (mtbo-wcup.lv) and on the Eventor  by 21:00.

14.4 Accreditation (registration)

• All participants such as athletes and team officials, media representatives, etc. must get accreditation. The accreditation of teams must be done by a team official (and not by each athlete).
• Accreditation takes place at the event centre (event office).
• A passport or identity card must be presented for each athlete to verify citizenship.
• Accreditation is only possible if all payments are made in full by July 4.
• Each registered participant will receive an accreditation card with a photo.
• After accreditation, the team official is given the team bag, which will contain the following:

• final bulletin
• 1 SIAC per athlete to be used as the primary SIAC
• Team list about the assignment of the SIACs
• maps for the model event
• start number bib and cable ties
• meal tickets / vouchers for pre-ordered meals
• parking permits

• When receiving the team bag, team officials will be asked to check its contents. Receipt of the handed-over SIACs must be confirmed by signing the team list of SIAC assignments.

14.5 Starting groups

For the competitions with an interval start - Sprint and Long distance, there are four starting groups that remain the same for both races. They are based on the World Ranking list as published ten days before the event. Starting group 1 starts first, followed by starting group 2, 3 and at the end starting group 4.
 

14.6 Start number bibs

There will be a start number bib for each competitor in the team bag handed out at accreditation. It will be the same bib for all individual competitions.  Relay number bibs will be handed out at team officials’ meeting on Saturday. Those will be stickers to be applied to the individual race number bib.
The number bibs must be attached to the front of the bike. They must not be folded or cut.

14.7 GPS tracking

• All athletes will be provided with a GPS device. 
• The GPS unit will be strapped to the arm. Please note that the SIAC(s) must not be carried on the same arm. You may also use a personal vest for carrying the GPS device.
• All athletes must be prepared to carry a GPS device for live tracking. Athletes who refuse to do so will be disqualified.
• Athletes are asked to pick up the GPS unit in a dedicated area before call-up for the pre-start
• The GPS units will be collected right after the ride-in.

14.8 Quarantine zones

General information

• For all competitions there is a quarantine zone at the start.
• Inside the quarantine zones it is strictly prohibited to use mobile phones, tablets or any other communication devices that can transmit or receive information. 
• It is allowed to bring maps of competition areas into the quarantine.
• All competitors and team officials must report to the check-in point and be inside the start quarantine zone before the deadline. Information about the check-in deadlines is given in the details for each competition.
• Up to the check-in deadline – when it is not yet compulsory to be inside – it is allowed to leave the quarantine zone via the check-in point, e.g. to go to the car park and back. Those doing so must re-enter the quarantine zone before the check-in deadline.
• Competitors who are not in the start quarantine by the relevant time deadline will not be allowed to participate in the race.
• Everybody is allowed to leave the start quarantine anytime, but no one is allowed to return back before the quarantine ends.

Facilities

• There will be an adequate number of toilets, shelter and water.
• A part of the quarantine zone will be provided for warm-up
• No own team tents are allowed in any of the quarantine zones.

It is not allowed to do sharp braking etc. that may damage the stadium which will be used as a warm-up zone in quarantine. It is not allowed to ride on football grass field. Those rules are very strict and not following them might lead to disqualification from competition.

14.9 Transport of athletes’ personal belongings

• Athletes are asked to put their items into appropriate bags or backpacks and suggested to label them with their name, class and federation. Such luggage can then be deposited at the baggage drop in the quarantine zone.  It will be available for pick-up from there after finish from other side of the fence.
• The organiser cannot accept any responsibility for any lost items.

14.10 Pre-start and start at competitions with interval start

• The pre-start is located inside the start quarantine zone.
• A clock showing the call-up time will be displayed at the pre-start, and the competitors’ names will be called 5 (sprint)/8 (long) minutes before their start time.
• Once athletes have passed the pre-start, they are not allowed to return.
• It is the athletes’ responsibility to be ready for their call-up time.
• Competitors who are late for their start time must use the lane for late starters and must report to the start staff.
• The maps will be displayed in boxes on tables: M - on the left, W - on the right

 
Start procedure for Sprint and Long distance
 

• The route from the time start to the point where orienteering begins (= start point) is marked with tape. The competitors must follow this route all the way to the start point.
• The start point is shown on the map with the start triangle (symbol 701) and it is marked in the terrain by a control flag but no punching unit.

Information about the start at the Relay is given in section 15 ‘Details for each competition’.

14.11 Finish

• After crossing the finish line or completing the changeover, competitors must hand in the control card or download recorded data and return their GPS device. If required by the organizer, they must hand in their competition map.
• Athletes who are forced to abandon a race must report to the finish staff and hand in their competition map. A retiring athlete must not influence any other competitor.

14.12  Ceremonies

• Information about the times and places of the ceremonies is given in event programme.
• We hope that a lot of participants will attend the opening ceremony wearing their national team clothing, enjoy also the small concert and give applause to the winners of sprint.

 

15 DETAILS FOR EACH COMPETITION

15.1 Model event

• The Model event will be offered on Thursday, July 4 from 13:00 to 18:00.
• It takes place in Mežoles street, which is about 1 km south of Smiltene centre.  57°24'53.8"N 25°54'14.4"E – Google Maps
• Maps will be in the team bags given at accreditation.  Maps will be in scales 1:10000 and 1:15000
• The map was made by the same mapper as the competition map for the sprint
• The terrain will be similar to that of the Long distance / Relay
• Start procedure, control set-up, marked routes and the punching system SPORTident AIR+ will be demonstrated at the Model event
• There are 10 controls which will be equipped in the same way as in the competitions.
• The controls are in free order, and there is no timekeeping.
• You will have the opportunity to try out the SPORTident AIR+ system. Bring your SIAC with you!

 

15.2 Sprint, 5.07

Arena

• Exact location of arena is Sport center Teperis :  57°25'50.9"N 25°55'20.9"E – Google Maps
• We suggest coming to the arena by bike as it is located only a few kilometres from the Smiltene centre. Plan your route so that you avoid embargoed area!
• It is allowed to visit the arena before going into quarantine.
• Facilities and services: bike wash, food and drinks, WC

Parking

• Parking is shown on the arena schema. Pick up your parking permit at the event office at accreditation if needed.

Terrain
Area - urban area and park. Track network- high density of very fast tracks in the park.
 

• Landforms - in the urban part relatively flat, a valley of a small river in the park territory, some steep slopes (up to 25 meters), and stairs.
• No roads will be closed to traffic.
• Safety: in some especially dangerous places a red / white tape will be used to mark the dangerous objects (a ditch, for example)

Map

• Scale and contour interval: 1:5000 / 5 m
• Number of maps:  1 double-sided, map. Symbol 715 Continuing point after map exchange  will mark the continuation of the course on the following map.
• Map size:  30x30cm
• Mapper: Mārtiņš Lasmanis

Courses

• Course details and winning times see section 14.2
• Course setter: Mārtiņš Lasmanis

 
Quarantine zone at the start

• Location of start quarantine zone: next to arena/event centre
• The start quarantine will open at 13:00 and all competitors must be inside the quarantine zone by 13:30 (check-in deadline).
• Pick-up point for GPS is next to pre-start

Start

• First start of each class: 14:00
• Distance from start quarantine to pre-start: 0 m
• There will be no toilets at the start
• Distance from pre-start to start: 200 m

There is a compulsory route, marked by tape, from the time start to the start point (triangle on map, flag in terrain).

• Detailed information on the start procedure is given in section 14.10.

Start interval

• The start interval is 1 minute.

Finish

• General information on the finish is given in the section 14.11

Max cycling time 60 minutes
Finish quarantine zone

• There is no quarantine zone at the finish.
• For finishing athletes it is not allowed to communicate with athletes in the start quarantine.

 

15.3 Long distance, 6.07

Arena

• Exact location of arena is Sport centre Teperis :  57°25'50.9"N 25°55'20.9"E – Google Maps
• We suggest coming to the arena by bike as it is located only a few kilometres from the Smiltene centre. Plan your route so that you avoid embargoed area!
• It is allowed to visit the arena before going into quarantine.

Facilities and services: bike wash, food and drinks, WC

Parking

• Parking is shown on the arena schema. Pick up your parking permit at the event office at accreditation if needed.

Terrain
Area - forest. Track network - medium to dense network of tracks and paths with all kinds of rideability.
Landforms - generally sand-based dunes with some steep slopes (up to 35 meters) as high and intensive in some areas.
Visibility - generally transparent pine forest, but there are a lot of areas (overgrown clearings) with very poor passability
No roads will be closed to traffic.
Map

• Scale and contour interval: 1:15000 / 2,5 m
• Special map symbols: no
• Number of maps: 1 - double-sided map. Symbol 715 Continuing point after map exchange will mark the continuation of the course on the following map.
• Map size: standard A3
• Mapper: Māris Strautnieks

Courses

• Course details and winning times see section 14.2
• There will be a refreshment point on the course whose location will be marked on the map with symbol 713 Refreshment point.
• Course setter: Mārtiņš Lasmanis

Quarantine zone at the start

• Location of start quarantine zone: at the arena/Event centre
• Distance from the event centre or arena to the start quarantine: 0
• The start quarantine will open at 9:30 and all competitors must be inside the quarantine zone by 10:00 (check-in deadline).
• Pick-up point for GPS is next to pre-start

Start

• First start of each class: 10:00 men, 10:01 women
• Distance from start quarantine to pre-start: 0 m
• There will be no toilets at the start
• Distance from pre-start to start: 600m
• There is a compulsory route marked by tape, from the time start to the start point (triangle on map, flag in terrain).
• Detailed information on the start procedure is given in section 14.10

Start interval

• The start interval is 3 minutes

Finish

• General information on the finish is given in the section 14.11

Max cycling time 200 minutes
Finish quarantine zone
There is no quarantine zone at the finish.

• For finishing athletes it is not allowed to communicate with athletes in the start quarantine.

 

15.4 Mixed Relay 7.07

Arena

• Exact location of arena is Sport centre Teperis :  57°25'50.9"N 25°55'20.9"E – Google Maps
• We suggest coming to the arena by bike as it is located only a few kilometres from the Smiltene centre. Plan your route so that you avoid embargoed area!
• It is allowed to visit the arena before going into quarantine.

Facilities and services: bike wash, food and drinks, WC

 
Parking

• Parking is shown on the arena schema. Pick up your parking permit at the event office at accreditation if needed.

 
Terrain

• Area - forest. Track network - medium to dense network of tracks and paths with all kinds of rideability.
• Landforms - generally sand-based dunes with some steep slopes (up to 35 meters). Not as high and intensive in some areas.
• Visibility - generally transparent pine forest, but there are a lot of areas (overgrown clearings) with very poor visibility.
• No roads will be closed to traffic.

Map

• Scale and contour interval:  1:10000 / 2,5 m
• Special map symbols: no
• Number of maps: 1
• Map size: standard A3
• Mapper: Māris Strautnieks

Courses

• Course details and winning times see section 14.2
• The courses will be forked in all legs.
• There will be a spectator’s control
• Course setter/s: Mārtiņš Lasmanis

Quarantine zone at the start
No quarantine for 1st leg riders

• Location of start quarantine zone: at the arena/Event centre.
• Distance from the event centre or arena to the start quarantine: 0
• The start quarantine will open at 9:30 and all competitors must be inside the quarantine zone by 9:50 (check-in deadline).
• Pick-up point for GPS is next to pre-start

The mass start of first-leg riders:

• Prepare SIAC(s):

1. Athletes CLEAR and CHECK their SIAC(s).
2. Athletes test if the AIR+ mode of their SIAC is active by holding their SIAC(s) over the TEST station at the exit of the quarantine zone. This is supervised by the start staff to make sure that the punching cards of all athletes are in SI AIR+ mode.

• 5 minutes to start: Athletes are called forward to line up standing over their bikes in rows of 7.
• 2 minutes to start: Maps are issued, face down, to all athletes.
• 1 minute to start: A 1-minute signal is issued
• 15 seconds to start: ‘Maps’ is called by loudspeaker. Athletes turn their map and place it into their map board.
• ‘Start’ is called by loudspeaker at the start moment.
• The athletes’ bike must be stationery and athletes must keep at least one foot on the ground until the start signal.
• A time penalty of two minutes will be given to those athletes who start too early or look at the map too early, i.e. such athletes will have two minutes added to their time and their finish position will be adjusted accordingly.
• The mass start will be recorded on video.

 
Changeover and taking the map for second- and third-leg riders

• These athletes CLEAR and CHECK their SIAC(s) at the stations in the quarantine zone.
• They are allowed to leave the quarantine zone and enter the changeover area when their teammate is passing the spectator control in arena, which is approximately 8 minutes before the changeover.
• Before leaving the quarantine zone, athletes test if the AIR+ mode of their SIAC is active by holding their SIAC(s) over the TEST station at the exit of the quarantine zone. Step 2 is supervised by the start staff to make sure that the punching cards of all athletes are in SI AIR+ mode.
• The changeover between the members of each relay team takes place by touch.
• Second and third leg riders take their map from the map wall after the changeover. Athletes are themselves responsible for taking the correct map.

 
Last control and finish
There will be quite a long compulsory route from the last control to the finish line. Athletes must follow the asphalt road. Cutting by riding straight through the grass field is not allowed.
 

16 COMPLAINTS AND PROTESTS

16.1 Complaints

• A complaint may be made by team officials or competitors about infringements of the rules or the organiser’s directions.
• Any complaint must be made in writing on the IOF complaint and protest form, which is available from the event office in the finish arena.
• Complaints must be made as soon as possible and handed in to the event office in the finish arena. The time limit for complaints is 15 minutes after the provisional results have been announced by the speaker. Complaints received after this time limit will only be considered if there are valid exceptional circumstances that must be explained in the complaint.
• There is no fee for a complaint.

16.2 Protests

• A protest may be made against the organiser’s decision about a complaint. It may only be made by the team official or competitor who made the complaint.
• Any protest must be made in writing on the IOF complaint and protest form, which is available from the event office in the finish arena.
• A protest must be made no later than 15 minutes after the organiser has informed the complainant of the decision about the complaint. Protests received after this time limit may be considered at the discretion of the jury if there are valid exceptional circumstances that must be explained in the protest.
• A protest must be handed in to the event office in the finish arena.
• A protest fee of 50 EUR (or the equivalent in local currency) must be paid when making a protest. It is possible to pay the fee electronically directly to the IOF Office via the IOF website https://orienteering.sport/iof/governance-and-organisation/iof-office/ (by credit card or via a PayPal account). If the protest is accepted by the jury, the fee will be returned.

17 JURY

The jury at MTBO World Cup round 2 and U23 MTBO World Championships consists of the following members:

• Jan Cegielka, POL
• Tõnis Erm, EST
• Jiri Vrany, CZE
• Ursula Häusermann, SUI (reserve and remote)

18 MISCELLANEOUS

18.1Parallel events

Public race
Each day after the World Cup event the WMS MTBO, YGWS MTBO and Open competitions will be offered. Registration is closed but it is still possible to register for Open groups at the event office.
 
Public race course details:
 
 

Course length is given by a straight line

Competitors corresponding to groups MW70+ start in MW60 but their points for WMS totals are calculated by taking into consideration only athletes from their age group.
 

18.2 Climate and hazards

Climate

• Situated in northeastern Europe with a coastline along the Baltic Sea, Latvia features a temperate climate, with an average temperature in July being +18 degrees.

Description of any hazards

• Wild animals like deer, wild boars etc. might be present in the forests of competition areas.
• Wild bees/wasps can be encountered in the competition areas.
• Ticks are commonly found in Latvia. They can spread Lyme disease or borreliosis, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Competitors are asked to protect themselves and to check for ticks after every ride in the forest. Information.
• Adders can be encountered, especially in open areas.

18.3 Media

We welcome all media representatives to cover the competitions. For media accreditation and related requests, please contact gita@impct.agency. Accreditation should be made by July 1, 2024.

• Weather-protected, quiet working space for media representatives will be provided in the finish arena.
• Accredited media representatives are given the opportunity to take part in the Model Event.
• If desired, the organisers will assist media representatives with hotel accommodation booking.

18.4 Competition clothing

Competitors must wear the team clothing of their federation during all official events.
 

18.5 Insurance and liability

The organisers decline any liability that might occur through participation in MTBO World Cup and training. Everybody participates at their own risk and is responsible for their insurance coverage (illness/accident and third party insurance).
Organisers are not responsible for theft or similar incidents. Participants are encouraged to take necessary precautions.
 

18.6 Emergency and health service

• First-aid services will be provided at the competition arena.
• Outside the competitions you may use the emergency and health services of the region:

• The nearest hospital is in Smiltene, address Dakteru iela 14, phone: +371 64772534, +371 26468349
• The phone numbers for emergency calls in Latvia  is 112

18.7 Sustainable event

The organisers strive to make the event as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. All participants are kindly requested to support the organisers in their endeavours. Examples:

• Choose an environmentally friendly means of transport to travel to the event.
• Whenever possible, go to the arenas by bike.
• Save water at the bike-wash facilities.
• Keep the arenas clean and sort rubbish correctly.
• Switch off the lights when leaving your accommodation.