Long-distance qualifying onthe Zugerberg: A breath ofpre-alpine terrain

Situated between 750 and 1200 meters above sea level the Zugerberg might classify especially physically because of its steep slopes and ditches. The hillcrest stretching from north to south features a vegetation which is characterized by coniferous trees and, in some parts of the terrain, by boulders and as such shows some characteristics of pre-alpine terrain. The visibility is mostly good, whereas the runnability changes extremely often: Besides widespread blackberry and blueberry fields the Zugerberg also offers parts that are completely free of ground-covering vegetation and hence are well runnable. In addition there are also some forest roads and trails.

The competition map has been printed in the scale of 1:15,000 and with 5-meter contours. It has been mapped in July 2003.

The venue is located in Unterägeri in the Canton of Zug in some 45-kilometer distance from the WM main venue of Rapperswil/Jona. The women and men will depart in three different heats each. The anticipated winning times will be 45 (women) and 60 minutes (men) for the about 8.5 and 14 kilometers (length and climb together), respectively. The last runners are going to be expected in the finish around noon. The 17 best of the six heats each will be qualified for the final, which is going to take place on August 6 in the Eschenberg near Winterthur. Hence for each gender class, 51 runners in maximum will participate in the finals.

Each country might field three female and male runners each for the qualifying in maximum. In addition, the incumbent world champion will have an additional entry. Put in other words this means that the Swiss women will have four entries for the qualifying due to the titleholder Simone Luder. The incumbent world champion Jörgen Rostrup (Norway) will renounce this right and will focus on the middle-distance event.

Start lists will be available on Sunday, August 3, 2003, from 5.00 p.m. on.

Posted: 2003-08-03 13:08:58