O-Ringen Magazine Nr 2 - 2023.

Oskarshamn centre
– Bagheera Relay and
Högtryckssprinten for
Elite tour runners
Sprint orienteering
on the cobbles
of Oskarshamn
SPRINT
BRÄDHOLMEN
As usual at O-Ringen, there will be two sprint
competitions. The first is the Bagheera Relay, which
takes place in connection with the opening ceremony
on 21 st July. Then we also have the Elite Tour Stage 3,
Högtryckssprinten, on the activity day on 24 th July.
Then we also have the Elite Tour Stage 3, Högtryckssprinten, on the
activity day on 24 th July. The Bageera Relay and Högtryckssprinten
have the same finish arena, by the sea and next to Oskarshamn’s
» Stage area BRÄDHOLMEN
BAGHEERASTAFETTEN, YOUTH RELAY
Söndag July 21 st 2024
ELITE TOUR STAGE 3 HÖGTRYCKSSPRINTEN
Wednesday July 24 th 2024
Combination of urban and park terrain in the centre of town, finishing
right next to Oskarshamn's inner harbour.
Photo: Peter Holgersson.
inner harbour. The start and changeover of the Bagheera Relay is
also here.
The competitions use slightly different areas but both will be in
central parts of Oskarshamn, in front of cheering spectators. The
competition terrain itself is a combination of urban and park areas.
The park features parkland, forest and some buildings (a school) and
in town, small yards and narrow passages, streets and alleyways – all
to give a real sprint orienteering challenge.
The Gotland ferry approaches Oskarshamn. I disembark
and look to the horizon. I’ve just arrived here on the
mainland to start my first job. Little did I know that, 30
years later, I would be looking at the same horizon as I
draw the map for the O-Ringen Elite Sprint.
Just like back then, the Gotland ferry nears the inner harbour,
turning its usual pirouette before docking at the quay. The passengers
step back onto dry land. They rush by as I stand scratching my
head, looking at the cartographic dilemma posed by Långa Soffan,
said to be the world’s longest bench. It must be in the Guinness
Book of Records. From here, as well as the Gotland ferry, you
can also spot Blå Jungfrun (“The Blue Maiden”) in the distance.
Steeped in legend, the island also a national park.
Now I’m nearing the middle of town. I walk the same cobbles
as Axel Robert Pettersson, “Döderhultaren,” walked a century ago.
You’ll definitely learn about him when you come to Oskarshamn
next summer. There’s a bit of a hill to climb, so I have tired legs by
the time I reach the town square.
Competitors will surely run through the town centre. Where
else will they go? Apart from the town centre itself, Oskarshamn is
proud to have a relatively large park. As well as typical park terrain
it also has some forest, where you get the feeling of being right out
in the woods, far away from the bustle of the town centre.
Streets, cycleways and walkways. Tarmac, cobbles, grass and
gravel. Forest, parkland and lots of urban areas. Yes, it’s anyone’s
guess how the course setter chooses to use these possibilities.
I hope and believe that all our competitors will appreciate the
variety that Oskarshamn has to offer, and wish you all a warm
welcome to the Smålandskusten in 2024.
Tony Lövdahl, mapper
Bagheera Relay for youth runners is a highlight of O-Ringen’s
opening ceremony every year. Photo: Peter Holgersson.
Besök nationalparken Blå Jungfrun
Upplev mytologin på Blå Kulla
eller Oskarshamns vackra skärgård
(Räkkryssningar och skärgårdsturer)
INFORMATION OCH BOKNING
WWW.SOLKUSTTURER.SE
32 O-RINGEN MAGAZINE NR 2 • 2023 O-RINGEN MAGAZINE NR 2 • 2023 33