The first day of the competition was reserved for medium-distance races. Russian Tatiana Vlasova ranked 1st at European Ski Orienteeing Championships, also counting as round for World Cup, followed by Finn Liisa Antttila and Norwegian Marte Reenaas. In the men’s event, Swedish Peter Arnesson and Russian Peter Edward Hrenikov shared the best result, followed on the third rank by Russian Andrei Grigoriev.
In the Junior World Ski Orienteering Championships, the girls competition was won by Norwegian Barbro Kvalita, followed by her fellow countrywoman Marie Asprusten and Russian Ekaterina Situhina. In the boys’ event, victory went to Russian Mikhail Utkin, followed by Norwegians Rasmus Korvald Skaare and Vetle Ruud Braten.
In the European Youth Ski Orienteering Championships, the women competition went to Swedish Linda Lindkvist, followed by fellow countrywoman Frida Sandberg and Russian Yevgenia Demeneva. In the men, victory was awarded to Russian Alexei Popov, followed by Swedish Ulrik Nordberg and Finn Lauri Nordberg Nenonen.
As many as 445 athletes (record number) will run in the competition in Miercurea Ciuc, from 25 countries. Romania will be represented by a delegation of 24 athletes to compete in several events.