Caterina Dallera and Yannick Michiels conquer the towers!
A historic Italian victory at the 21(st) edition of the Mediterranean Open Orienteering Championships (MOC).
The event came to a spectacular close in Torri del Benaco, on the shores of Lake Garda at the foot of Scaligero Castle, crowning Belgian Yannick Michiels and Italian Caterina Dallera as winners.
Yannick secured victory over Sweden’s Oskar Andren thanks to his two stage wins in Garda and Torri, showcasing his unquestioned superiority.
In the women’s competition, the final ranking remained uncertain until the end, with PWT Italia athlete Caterina Dallera ultimately prevailing over the day’s winner, Sweden’s Vilma von Krusenstierna, by just seven seconds, thanks to her lead from the first stage.
This was a prestigious victory for the Italian athlete and a first for the MOC, which had never previously been won by an Italian competitor.
The event was impeccably organised by Park World Tour Italia in collaboration with Orient Express Orienteering Verona, with the support of the municipalities of Garda and Torri del Benaco.
The declaration of Stefano Nicotra, Mayor of Torri: del Benaco, reads:
‘If our area was chosen, it is because we are a point of reference,’ says Stefano. We are very proud to have been part of this event, and it also improves the way people outside our municipality see us. Over the years, we have worked hard to raise Torri’s profile beyond the Lake area. This has yielded great results in terms of tourism and promotion. As is well known, we have become a ‘city’, and this has increased our prestige.’
RESULTS 2ND STAGE MOC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
Men Elite
1-Michiels Yannick Bel
2-Andren Oskar Swe
3-Osaki Hirokazu Jpn
Women Elite
1-Vilma Von Krusenstierna Swe
2-Caterina Dallera Ita
3-Martina Palumbo Ita
OVERALL RANKING MOC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
Women Elite
1-Caterina Dallera Ita
2-Vilma Von Krusenstierna Swe
3-Martina Palumbo Ita
Men Elite
1-Michiels Yannick Bel
2-Andren Oskar Swe
3-Pettersson Valter Swe