Dear clubs and members,
We are pleased to share the second edition of our newsletter.
During the past weeks, many things have happened behind the scenes.
Through this update, we aim to keep you clearly and transparently informed about the main developments and ongoing matters within our federation.
In this issue you’ll find the publication of the selection lists for upcoming championships, practical details about accommodation for the 2026 European and World Championships, the first announcement of our General Assembly on 31 January 2026, and background on the merger between World Obstacle and UIPM.
As always, this newsletter is shared via email, WhatsApp groups, and our website so that everyone can stay informed.
Sportive regards,
The BOCRF Board
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🏅 Selection Lists – European & World Championships 2026
We are happy to share the latest information regarding the European Championships OCR 2026 in Irun (Spain) and the World Championships OCR 2026 in Limerick (Ireland).
All practical travel and accommodation details are included here, and the official selection lists are attached.
Selection list -20
Selection list 20+
For any questions, please contact our Competition Committee: Eve Dewaele, Jarne Nevens, and Leyla Magomedova – they will provide clear and timely answers.
European Championship OCR – Irun (Spain)
The event takes place in Irun, a familiar location for many within our sport.
At present, we have one hotel option in Irun itself with about 20 available places.
Together with our travel partner, we are looking for a larger hotel so that as many athletes as possible can stay together.
We are also considering San Sebastián as an alternative location — just 15 minutes from Irun and 20 minutes from Bilbao — ideal for combining competition with sightseeing.
We kindly ask you not to make your own hotel bookings yet so we can organize group reservations and possibly benefit from reduced rates.
🔗 ocreuropeanchampionships.com
World Championship OCR – Limerick (Ireland)
Although the race venue is not yet confirmed, we already have preliminary hotel information:
🏨 Kilmurry Lodge Hotel – located ≈ 5 km from Limerick city center, breakfast included.
Different room types and half-board options are available.
The travel agency notes that a non-refundable deposit of 10–20 % is required at booking (prices subject to availability and change).
Confirmation of Participation – Important
All selected athletes must confirm by email whether they will participate in the EC and/or WC.
This allows us to contact reserve athletes in time so they can plan accordingly.
📩 Email: Eve – Jarne – Leyla
🗓 Deadline: Saturday 10 January 2026
We look forward to a strong Belgian delegation at both events!
For questions or confirmations:
- eve@belgianocr.be
- jarne@belgianocr.be
- leyla@belgianocr.be
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🗓 General Assembly – 31 January 2026
We warmly invite all members to attend our General Assembly on Saturday 31 January 2026.
The exact venue will be confirmed soon, but please save the date.
A dinner formula at democratic prices is being arranged.
To prepare properly, please indicate how many people will attend and whether you plan to join for dinner, via the attendance form (link to follow).
For questions:
- leyla@belgianocr.be
- stef.hellemans@belgianocr.be
We look forward to seeing you there!
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🌍 International Developments in OCR: A Milestone for Our Future
For several years, discussions have been ongoing about cooperation between World Obstacle (FISO) and the UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) to include OCR as the fifth discipline within modern pentathlon.
During the congress held at the last World Championships in Sweden, this plan officially received the green light — with all but three countries voting in favor.
Recent meetings in Beijing confirmed that World Obstacle will join UIPM.
Both organizations have now asked their national federations to pursue similar collaboration or integration.
The 2026 World Championships in Ireland will be the last under World Obstacle’s supervision.
Future editions (provisionally 2027–2028) are scheduled to take place in Beijing.
Preserving Identity and Competition Formats
World Obstacle has guaranteed that OCR will retain its identity, autonomy, and specific race formats within the UIPM structure.
We will continue to determine the technical nature of our races independently.
Written confirmation of these guarantees has been requested from UIPM.
International Congress in Nice
On 15 March 2026, an international congress in Nice will host the final vote on the dissolution of World Obstacle.
The official handover to UIPM is scheduled for 10 August 2026, shortly after the WC in Ireland.
What Does This Mean for Belgium?
Belgium’s position is unique and positive.
The existing Belgian UIPM federation has been largely inactive, but a constructive discussion recently took place with its president, Prof. Dr. Harald Vervaecke.
He expressed willingness to transfer the organization and the Belgian UIPM license to BOCRF, enabling a smooth integration into the new international structure.
It is important to stress that no decision has been made yet.
The board is carefully analyzing all options to determine what best serves the long-term interests of OCR in Belgium.
With the upcoming dissolution of World Obstacle, alternative international paths are limited.
Several federations and representatives from France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, EOSF, and UIPM have advised that this opportunity represents a unique chance for BOCRF — one worth serious consideration.
Should BOCRF decide to move forward, we will ensure that future decisions always reflect OCR’s values and vision, safeguarding national and international representation.
Towards Official Recognition
Following this trajectory could bring us closer to official recognition by institutions such as Sport Vlaanderen and the Belgian Olympic Committee (BOIC) — further strengthening our position as a full-fledged national federation.
Possible Name Change
If BOCRF joins UIPM’s structure, our official name may need to reference “Pentathlon”, in line with international conventions.
This will be evaluated carefully before any decision is made.
We will continue to keep you informed of all developments.
For questions, contact Nathan Peeters:
📧 nathan@belgianocr.be 📞 +32 477 98 69 37
Together we are building a strong, future-oriented OCR structure in Belgium!
Thanks for reading!
