October 17, 2020
The Saxon-Bohemian Orienteering-Days 2020 are history. More than 470 participants started on Saturday in Lückendorf in the Zittau Mountains. Numerous satisfied faces confirmed us a very good work, despite or maybe even because of the very special conditions.
After the cancellation of the planned German Championships Sprint Distance and DM Sprint Relay in May this year, an intensive search for possible new dates was conducted. Due to the collision with numerous German and Czech events, the only remaining alternative date was the weekend of October 17 and 18, 2020.
In addition to competition and course planning, this edition always had to keep an eye on the hygiene concept and the current official German and Czech guidelines. With the experience gained at numerous competitions this year, the guidelines set at federal and state level were extensively analyzed and further refined according to SAXBO guidelines. In the end, it was clear to all organizers from the very beginning that SAXBO will be the biggest orienteering sports event in Germany in 2020 as well.
After the cancellation of the Czech stage due to the stricter rules in the country, it was time to pay even more attention to the German competition. Besides a parking lot, competition center and selection area with a lot of free space, the starting area was also closely examined. So the ladies and men started separately in separate starting lanes. A longer starting time window was discarded at an early stage due to the limited time with daylight and the travel times of the participants. Higher frequented posts were equipped with several stands and stations. For all Czech participants the guidelines were adapted even more individually by our Czech co-organizers. All key points were communicated in detail beforehand via the various Internet pages. Separate documents were available for companions to register.
Thus we were able to set up a competition with many satisfied participants this year as well. After intensive rainy weather in the days before even the sun showed up. Therefore, nothing stood in the way of the challenging search for posts in the rocky areas north of Lückendorf. The main classes were won by Lucie Luštická (OOB TJ Turnov) and Ondřej Semík (OK Kamenice).
Due to the current situation there were about 130 cancellations at short notice for various reasons. The interviewed participants certified us an extensive hygiene concept, which gave no reason for cancellation.
We are already looking forward to 2021, when SAXBO will take place on the first weekend of May.