The JWOC Team enjoys the sights of Venice after a training race

The 2009 Australian JWOC team started their overseas preparations in Venice last Saturday. The day began with a sprint style run using the Venice-O 2007 map, (Australian Orienteer March 2008), and a Nick Dent edited course of about 3km, completed in amongst thousands of people, rain and the unique narrow streets of Venezia. What a fantastic experience for them.  They spent the rest of the day wandering around eating gelati; enjoying ferry rides; a swim at Lido beach and taking in the sights and enjoying each other’s company.

The team left from Mestre in two 9 seater buses on Sunday morning, ( with only one key missing from Camp Venezia accommodation!!!) headed for Cesuna for the training camp. Their accommodation has immediate access to 2 training maps.  Coach Nick is keeping preparations low-key and stress free and avoiding the JWOC hype for as long as possible.  They will go to JWOC training areas on Wednesday to complete a sprint and middle distance course and take the opportunity to drive through the long distance and sprint distance areas.

Karen and Russell Blatchford