This weekend, the city of Turnhout will once again host one of the most exciting sprint orienteering events of the year — ASOM (Antwerp Sprint Orienteering Meeting). Known for its fast-paced urban races and high-profile international attendance. This year, all eyes are on the Knock-Out (KO) Sprint, a thrilling format where speed, tactics, and nerves are pushed to the limit through head-to-head heats.
Earlier this week, we took a general look at the event, but now it's time to dive deeper into the top favorites for the KO sprint. From seasoned World Cup athletes to rising stars, the start list promises fireworks in both the women's and men's fields.
Women:
3 stars - ***
Eline Gemperle (Switserland)
Gemperle enters the weekend as the top pick after a string of impressive World Cup top 20 results. She finished 7th in last year’s ASOM KO sprint and already showed strong form at a race in Italy just four weeks ago. In this format, anything can happen, but Gemperle is certainly the one to beat.
Inka Nurminen (Finland)
Nurminen has proven herself with several top 20 finishes and standout performances at the WOC and World Cup last season. After a winter of training and preparation, she’ll be hoping to return to top form and ASOM could be the perfect warm-up for EOC.
2 stars - **
Alva Sonesson (Sweden)
Is also a very young (24) runner but had an incredible year in 2024 with peak performances on the world cup and woc. Maybe the less experienced runner in a KO sprint of all the "top women".
Josefine Lind (Denmark)
Has high peak performances in important races but hasn't the best consistancy. Didn't perform well in
Italy 4 weeks ago.
1 star - *
Deborah Stadler (Switserland) has some experience in Belgium in 2023 where she finished 4th in the KO sprint. Cecilie Andersen (Great Britain) her experience is more found in individual sprints. Vilma Von Krusenstierna (Sweden) hasn't had that many international races last year. Tilda Johansson (Sweden) is also more found in the front at individual sprints.
Men:
3 stars - ***
Jonatan Gustafsson (Sweden)
Bronze medalist in last year’s WOC KO sprint and currently ranked 2nd in the world, Gustafsson is a blend of speed and precision. With growing confidence and experience, he is a prime candidate for the win.
Jorgen Baklid (Norway)
Last years silver medal at WOC. Has showed, he can master the KO sprint and can peak at the right moments. He is ranked 1st in ski orienteering and has won multiple gold medals at world cup ski orienteering this year so hasn't been doing orienteering much in the winter.
2 stars - **
Tuomas Heikkila (Finland)
Has had a solid year in 2024 but missed the last kick. Going out really fast and keep the pace will be the method for this stable Finnish runner.
Yannick Michiels (Belgium)
He will be desparate to win after last year second place at ASOM KO. He has the advantage of knowing this type of terrain very well but in KO sprint, it often comes down to the fastest last sprint where he had his best times a few years ago.
Timo Suter (Switserland)
Is always there at important races but has difficulties to be the best one. He has multiple top 6 places at wcup and is extremely fast.
1 star - *
As the field is very stacked, there are a lot of outsiders who can aim for a final and maybe even more. Adrien Delenne (France) has showed some good performances in KO. Tino Polsini (Switserland) one of the break throughs from last year. Jakub Glonek (Czechia) performed well in the last years. Fransesco Mariani (Italy), who is maybe a bit better in the individual sprint. August Mollen (Sweden) who also peaks more in the individual sprint. Florian Attinger (Switserland) who is also one of the break throughs of last year.
The 2025 ASOM Knock-Out Sprint promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet. With an exceptionally strong and diverse field, the races in Turnhout are set to deliver tight finishes, and maybe even a few shocks. Whether it’s the established stars holding their ground or a new name rising to the top, fans can expect world-class action from start to finish.
Good luck to all athletes competing, may the fastest, smartest, and boldest prevail!