Championship events are something we eagerly anticipate all year long, spending months in preparation. This year, the 2024 European OCR Championships took place in Italy, bringing together the best obstacle course racers from across the continent. Athletes were set to face four challenging obstacles from Toroz.
We set off on our journey early on Tuesday, June 11. Our vans, packed with equipment, traveled through the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, and back through Austria, before finally arriving in Italy. Our final destination was the picturesque city of Folgaria, nestled in the mountains. To our surprise, we were greeted by rather low temperatures, but we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
The Venue: Folgaria
Folgaria, known for its stunning landscapes and excellent facilities, provided the perfect backdrop for the European OCR Championships. The town’s mountainous terrain added an extra layer of challenge to the already demanding course, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.
The Obstacles: A True Test of Skill
The last on the course, but fist here to describe, our flagship, the 8.5 meter LOW TO HIGH TO LOW, was placed right in front of the finish line. This obstacle tested the competitors’ agility and strength as they navigated through varying heights using various types of our ULRA GRIP line grips – Disc 1.0, 2.0 and 2.0 and Balls 7, 8 and 10 cm in diameter – and that diversity made the level of difficulty even higher.
Next in line was the Wooden Spinning Wheels Obstacle, which required precise coordination and balance. We did not reinvented the wheel, but made this obstacle look cool and got the athletes a small surprise – as the griping part of the wheels are SQUARE!
The Firefighter obstacle, already known from last year’s World Championships in Belgium, testing upper body strength and your leg work technique – here you need to be calm and precise as holding the thing 1.6 cm ropes is though and this obstacle does not forgive mistakes.
Finally, the Skulls Alley – with wooden, square edged grip challenged participants with its intricate design, demanding reach distance for which they needed focus and precision.
The first two obstacles were featured on the SHORT distance course, while all four obstacles challenged the competitors on the STANDARD distance course. Each obstacle was designed to push athletes to their limits and prepare them for the toughest competitions ahead.
Event Highlights
In addition to the challenging course, the European OCR Championships 2024 featured a vibrant event village where participants and spectators could enjoy various activities. Our stand was a popular spot where visitors could shop for exclusive merchandise, discuss the event, and exchange insights with fellow OCR enthusiasts.
The event saw fierce competition, with athletes from all over Europe showcasing their incredible skills and determination. It was a true celebration of the OCR community, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Feedback and Future Plans
From the feedback we received, it was clear that the obstacles were well-received and their difficulty level was appropriately matched to the prestige of the competition. Athletes appreciated the innovative designs and the challenges they presented, making the event a memorable one.
We are incredibly proud to have been part of the European OCR Championships in Folgaria. The athletes’ performances were inspiring, and we are grateful for all the positive feedback. Congratulations to all the competitors who took on our obstacles with determination and skill.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and challenges from Toroz as we continue to innovate and support the OCR community. We look forward to seeing you at the next big event!
