Park World Tour brought orienteering to the Sassi in Matera for the first time in 2002. A unique setting and a map that challenges even champions, meant that the event was well attended and appreciated by competitors.
A few years later, PWT Italy returned to Matera, with even greater ambitions.
In 2013, the city hosted the final stage of the MOC Championships. This edition included, among others, Helena Jansson, Simone Niggli and Tove Alexandersson (just 20 years old), and then Matthias Merz, Matthias Kyburz and Thierry Gueorgiou.
Thierry Gueorgiou after race, MOC 2013.
The former multiple world champion and also winner of the Matera stage comments on his experience: “Since 2002, and the very first PWT victory of Damien Renard there, this place has always meant a lot for the French orienteering community. And that spring 2013, I could also enjoy this unique feeling of facing a technical challenge only sprint races can offer: decisions basically every 5-10 metres combined with high speed running”.
Matthias Kyburz, runner-up that day in Matera but winner of the MOC Championship overall ranking, states that “Matera was spectacular. 2.3 Kilometers of pure orienteering from the very first second to the last control on a map scale 1:3500 with 5m equidistance. Three times, I lost more than 15 seconds to the best time. For a sprint race and at that time reigning world champion in Sprint those were massive time losses. But as the race was so tricky and nearly everybody was making a lot of mistakes, my race was good enough to finish 2nd, 42 sec behind Thierry Gueorgiou. As always, PWT offered a spectacular but familiar race. On the main square the speaker created a nice arena atmosphere and Nick Manfredi was on fire to entertain all the spectators. Many “Tifosi” waited until the end to not miss the champagne shower at the prize giving ceremony!”
Matthias Kyburz, MOC 2013 overall winner.
The city of Matera, with its characteristic alleys and fascinating history, is the ideal place for a spectacular and exciting orienteering competition. That is why we have decided to make it once again the final stage of the MOC Championships 2025. We look forward to seeing you in Matera on 23 March 2025.
Don’t miss the chance to join us this year in the realisation of a fantastic spectacle.