Preview: Belgian national Middle race

On Sunday 4th of October Trol is organising a national middle distance event in the north of Belgium (Heerle - Lille). Two weeks later the Belgian championships middle distance will take place (Weyervlakte). Both maps require a similar way of orienteering, so it will be a very interesting test race.

Old version from De Witte Bergen and Bosbergen

The national middle distance race will be organised on a combinations of 2 maps: De Witte Bergen and Bosbergen. These maps have been used for national championships in the past and probably nobody has forgotten the icecold edition during the Sylvester 5-days in 2014 (results - article 2014). Greet Oeyen and Benjamin took the victory in snowy conditions 6 years ago (in the elite classes).

Anna Serrallonga testing the D21E course last month

If we take a look at the startlist in class H21E, we see a lot of strong athletes on the startlist. Ofcourse Yannick Michiels is the big favourite in this fast and tricky terrain. Also for him it will be a good test to optimise his orienteering flow on the way to the Middle champs and Euromeeting later on.

Fabien Pasquasy will be one of his strongest opponents. Last weekend he won the Belgian Long championships with a strong performance. Silver medalist from last week Simon Krekels won't participate because he's helping in the organisation and will activate the elite course in the early morning. Beside Fabien, we are also looking forward to the comeback from Benjamin Anciaux and Tomas Hendrickx. Both athletes didn't participate in many competitions recently, but are for sure ready to fight for the podium.  

Also Wouter Hus showed that he's in good shape and that he can handle the Flemish terrains. Other athletes to highlight are Evert Leeuws, middle specialist Thibaut Derenne, local legend Warre De Cuyper, junior-athlete Cedric Amerijckx, the Hamok-stars Jeroen Hoekx and Thomas van der Kleij and good-old Tommy Janssens. 

Coursesetter Desmond Franssen training on De Witte Bergen

Also in women's elite class the top of Belgium will be present next Sunday. Marine Sillien showed last Sunday that she's in great shape by winning the Belgian Long championships. She'll be again one of the favourits in the detailed terrain of De Witte Bergen. Silver medallist Anna Serrallonga is involved in the coursesetting and won't participate. But Ems De Smul who had a similar speed as Sillien and Serrallonga last weekend, will be motivated to fight for the victory as well. 

The 3rd name to mention is ofcourse Greet Oeyen. She was sad to miss the Long championships in Stambruges and already mentioned on strava that she'll be ready for this middle distance in the o-paradise. And maybe Liesbeth Van De Velde, Mira Scheir or Laurine Herman will surprise us. 

To all participants, don't forget to read carefully the information in the bulletin in O'punch. A warming-up-map will be offered to all ahletes. Goodluck and enjoy the event!

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