At a late stage in preparing for my on-the-day controller role, I became aware that the printed maps for the Brown and Blue courses did not show a crossing point (stile) which would allow a straighter route choice between controls 1 and 2. I agreed that we would deal with this by displaying maps in the start lanes showing this crossing point as a map correction. On setting up the start it was found that the A3 blank maps had been mislaid and so the map correction was marked up on the A4 blank maps. Start officials were briefing competitors on Brown and Blue courses to look at this map correction, even though these courses used the A3 map. After I had left the start it appears that the A3 blank maps were located and also displayed in the start lanes, but without the crossing point map correction being added.
I apologise for the confusion which this discrepancy has caused. The problem was brought to my attention later in the day, although no formal complaint was received. I have reviewed the split times for the relevant legs and it seems to me that 2 or 3 competitors on each course may have lost up to a minute, with no significant impact on placings. My recommendation therefore is that the results should stand as they are.
John Hurley (DVO)
(on-the-day controller)