Europe’s finest juniors fight it out in Scotland

After 9 years the Junior European Cup (JEC) returns to Scotland on the 3-5th October. 

The Sprint returns to the campus of Stirling University on the afternoon of Friday 3rd October. Nine year ago Sweden and Switzerland claimed most of the podium spots but GBR’s Laura King, Cecilie Anderson and Harrison McCartney were all tantalisingly close in 4th place (W18, W20 and M18 competitions). Can the GB Juniors selected do better this year?

This year over 200 athletes from 15 countries are traveling to central Scotland to compete in JEC so there will be plenty of competition even if it is providing an logistical challenge to get accommodation for everyone in Aberfoyle. Forth Valley Orienteers (FVO), Masterplan Adventures and Clydeside Orienteers (CLYDE) are working together with volunteers from the wider orienteering community in Scotland to ensure a great event.

On Saturday 4th October, the Long Distance race will be held at Loch Ard in the Trossachs. Nine years ago, the Swiss Simona Aebersold (a W18 at that point but now the 2025 World Orienteering Championships Gold Medalist) came to the fore, winning with over a five minute margin and other notable names such as Joey Hadorn and Kasper Fosser also taking part. It is also lovely to see that Johanna Oberg, who was second in the W20 Long race, returns this year as the Swedish team coach.  

Sunday 5th October sees the relays finishing the weekend off at Fairy Knowe & Doon Hill, CLYDE’s best area, with medals being presented by the Lord Provost of Stirling and departing SOA President Richard Oxlade (also Controller for the Long!). The Swiss “owned” the relays in 2006 with a 1,2 in both male and female classes – can they do it again this year or can the GB Juniors disrupt them? 

The Veteran Home Internationals (VHIs) are being held alongside JEC adding to the organiser’s logistical challenge . We will hope that the home soil advantage can bring out the best in the Scottish Team and see them wrestle the trophy off of a strong English team.

For those who don’t want to miss out on the challenge, there are also spectator races available that compliment what’s being provided (no TD1-4 courses, unfortunately), if you want to be seriously challenged you’ll not get a better chance this year. Details and entries here: SiEntries – JEC & VHI Spectator Races (3rd-5th Oct)

We also really need as much on-the-day help as possible.  Making these events look professional, but being manned by a whole troop of volunteers, takes some effort.  If you can help in any way please, please let the Co-ordinator Jason Inman know:  jason.inman@wireport.co.uk

Don’t forget to follow JEC at: JEC 2025 – Home   and  jecorienteering.2025 on Instagram