| Mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) is, as the name suggests, an orienteering sport performed on mountain bikes. Unlike in foot orienteering, MTBO competitors aren't typically permitted to leave the trail and track network. This makes the navigational tactics in MTBO similar to those of ski orienteering, where the major focus is route choice while racing at high speed. The sport attracts both orienteering and mountain bike enthusiasts. The most important orienteering skills needed are route choice and map memory. Extremely good bike handling and the ability to cope with steep slopes are an absolute must. Mountain bike orienteering is the newest of the four orienteering disciplines administered by the International Orienteering Federation. It started in the late 1980s at club level in countries where mountain biking was a popular outdoor sport. By 1997, national championships were being organized 12 countries. As of 2009, the count was up to 58 countries. There is now an MTBO World Championships organized every year. At the 2012 event, in Veszprém, Hungary, there were national teams from 31 countries. Organizing an EventTo learn about organizing an MTBO event, check the following links:
VideosOrienteering AustraliaUsing SPORTident Active Card, Siegelbach, Germany |  Ingrid Stengård, Finland (Photo by Paula Lehtomäki)  Online Map Memory TrainingThe Catching Features web site has a Ski Orienteering Simulator that is beneficial as a map memory training aid for MTB orienteers. |
| Contact: Robert Buraczynski (rburaczynski [at] localnet [dot] com) | last updated 01 May 2013 |
