Norway golden again in the WUC Ski Orienteering Pursuit event

TARTU, ESTONIA – The third day of competition, a fresh layer of snow greeted competitors of the 2018 FISU World University Ski Orienteering Championship’s individual pursuit. As the competition started, though, snowfall stopped, the sun came out and student-athletes put down their best possible performances on Estonia’s 100 year anniversary.

Estonia has a long and proud tradition in sports, particularly with the Nordic winter disciplines. Sports like ski orienteering are a way of life for many from this Baltic nation.The day began with the women’s event and, as in the sprint and sprint relay, Norway’s Anna Ulvensøen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology won in 26:58s for her third WUC Ski Orienteering victory in as many days. Following the Norwegian in second place was Estonia’s Daisy Kurde from Tartu University. Russia’s Mariia Petrushko of Saint-Petersburg State University of Technology and Design finishing in third. with 28:07s. If this trifecta sounds familiar it is: this result mirrored Friday’s sprint result.

Norway’s Anna Ulvensøen (centre) wins WUC Ski Orienteering gold Estonia’s Daisy Kurde captures silver and Russia’s Mariia Petrushkoagain takes the bronze in the Pursuit Individual event 
In the men’s event, Joergen Haugen Madslien from the  Norwegian University of Science and Technology paced the field with his 32:18. The Norwegian was followed by two Finns: Jyri Uusitalo of Lapland University of Applied Sciences in 32:50 and Samuli Schroderus of University of Oulu in 33:11.

After the race, women’s silver medalist Daisy Kurde had effusive praise for the championships and the course. “I can say only nice words about everything – courses are very interesting and challenging, tracks well pisted, organization seems well done and visual picture of competition centre is beautiful,” Ms. Kurde said. “After a not so snowy start of this year’s winter in Estonia, I am really impressed by the nature, amount of snow and weather.”

Added Kurde: “It’s very important for ski orienteering to be part of student sport. We are not an Olympic sport, so all kind of International recognition is important to us. It is an honour for ski orienteers to be able to compete in Winter Universiade.