Discussion: Although...

It does sound kind of fun. And, unlike micro-o, they're not proposing to change an existing format, just sort of tack it on to the program. Like an exhibition sport at the Olympics.

I imagine that they can't just go and say, "here's another championship event with a medal". Or maybe they can. But really there's no reason they can't have an extra race, as long as it doesn't interfere with athlete's rest and preparation for the races.

It sound a lot like a format for Olympics.

All true. And there is nothing new: normal sprint maps (I guess) we already are familiar with, mass start is nothing new, forking is nothing new. So it only combines some thing we already know, so it's not so bad if we think it that way.

But I just see red when I read about new type or O race and plans to use it in WOC, both same time in the same article. I am slow at adapting these things, I like to see some years in between those two, not just couple of text lines. If something new is fun and even fair, it does not mean we should make is a WOC race. WOC race is the crown of our sport, it's not place for something new. Atheltes should be able to practice years for it.

My opinion is also sprint was taken all too early and fast to WOC. It was not ready for it. I guess it still is not ready for it. For example maps - it's not right if you can see smallest maps from the map more easy than bigger paths. And all the confusion are you allowed to pass over dark green (how dark is dark enough) / think black line (how thick is thick) etc... maybe there should be own color for drawing objects /areas you are not allowed to cross / run over. But it is an other story.