Team GB arrived in Italy to overcast skies and the promise of torrential ran over the weekend. After frantic bike building and unpacking at our hotel it was off to try and tune into the model event terrain. After a fast descent to the valley floor from Teolo we were into the terraced vineyards the area is famous for, before we came to our start area: surprise, surprise, a farm that grew grapes.
The model area was all farmland with major grass tracks criss-crossing the terraces on the vineyards. However, we had been given permission to ride off track between the vines. This made route choice more interesting, and navigation more of a challenge. 
The vine rows can only be ridden in one direction, though, which tends to be with the contours. A mix of quiet country lanes and tracks, plus a healthy dose of climb, completed our recce of the area before the rain came down. Four hours later, following dinner and a team leaders meeting, the rain has still not not stopped meaning the sprint maybe particularly sticky tomorrow.
I have a fairly late start, which normally would be an advantage, but tomorrow, I’m not so sure.
World Cup Mountain Bike Orienteering http://www.mtboitaly2010.it/
Good luck!