Aix le Bains provided an excellent venue for the World Championships Sprint Qualifiers. The finish arena was located in an immaculate park, with manicured lawns and flowerbeds. Runners also had an area of forest park and some old streets and squares to contend with. In the end the qualifier will be remembered for out of bounds controversy as many competitors were first disqualified and then reinstated. After lunch the circus moved 20km up the lake to the town of Chambery were the organisers had really pulled out all the stops to provide a spectacular sprint venue. A big screen dominated the square which saw the runners not only start, but appear twice on spectator loops on balconys and terraces overlooking the square before a final sprint towards the finish via the crowd lined streets and alleyways.
The Brits Men and Women had a great set of results. Graham Gristwood had us hanging on the edge of our seats leading for what seemed like half of the competition before being knocked down to 4th in the last minutes of the race.
The noise of the crowds, the big screen, waving flags and fantastic commentary all crammed into the medieval square was just amazing and shows the sprint orienteering format to be a true spectator sport.