Mountain Bike Orienteering gears up for Moray in September
Fifty years ago in 1976 Scotland held the first British World Orienteering Championships in Morayshire. Almost to the day half a century later the first British World Masters Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships is to take place in some of the same beautiful terrain used in 1976. (Mountain Bike Orienteering is referred to by the acronym MTBO). With entries now open and there are other many ways to get involved – keep reading to find out more…
When is it?
The World Masters Mountain Bike Orienteering Champs (WMMTBOC) will take place between 8th and 14th September 2026 organized by Scottish Orienteering Association and BMBO (the National Governing body for British Mountain Bike Orienteering ). Four races will take place plus a Model event, training events and a Ceilidh.
Where is it?
A mixture of exciting terrains from detailed forested coastal sand dunes to inland forests along the famous deep gorge of the stunning River Findhorn will be used. Competitors from around 26 nations will compete and we have firm commitments already from Japan, Australia and New Zealand. A unique set of terrains with two new areas to mountain bike orienteering, with excellent special detailed mountain bike orienteering maps prepared by Steve Smirthwaite. Events are being held in Roseisle, Sanquhar Woods, Lossie Forest and Darnaway. There are lots of opportunities for both touristic and other mountain bike riding along this beautiful coast in addition to the competition events.
Entries are open..
The World Masters Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships is open to those 35 years or older but there are opportunities for those to take part in the event if they are too young to qualify for the World Masters Championships, with both senior and junior entries, or if you want to have a go without being part of the World Masters Championships to the events available.
In order to enter the World Masters Championships all participants need to enter on BOTH International Orienteering Federation (IOF) Eventor website and pay on Racesignup. Entries are only valid if payment is received. To enter on IOF Eventor you will need to create an IOF ID if you do not have one before you can enter the event. Entries are made on WMMTBO Eventor page AND WMMTBO Racesignup page.
For those who are either too young to qualify for the World Masters Championships or who want to take part in the events but not as part of the World Masters Championships there is entry for Open Races available. Entry for this only requires entry via WMMTBO Racesignup page only.
Could you support the event as a volunteer?
We are looking not only for competitors but also volunteers to help for a couple of days or even one to help make this event be the success it deserves. If you want to help as well as compete (or just help) please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Linda Cairns lindamtbo2026@gmail.com. Some general ideas of roles – some roles need orienteering and/or SI timing experience and others just need willing helpful people. Examples include helping with start, registration or download, to helping with car parking or map collection. More details of the event can be found on the World Masters MTBO 2026 website.
Book the dates for an exciting week in the Highlands now!
Photo Credit: Keith Dawson