Switzerland celebrate their women's success at the World Orienteering Championships in Latvia ©IOF

Switzerland and Norway claimed the respective relay titles at the World Orienteering Championships in Latvia.

Switzerland crossed first in the three-person women's race in 1hour 45min 03sec, 15 seconds clear of second placed Sweden at the Turaida Museum Reserve in Gauja valley forests.

There was then a big gap back to third placed Russia, who were 2min 17sec behind the winners.

Norway won an even tighter men's race in 1:45:26.

Sweden finished in second place in the women's race ©IOF
Sweden finished in second place in the women's race ©IOF

They crossed just four seconds clear of Switzerland.

France were another six seconds behind in third.

Hosts Latvia finished a disappointing eighth.

The Championships are due to continue on Saturday (August 11) with long distance races after a rest day tomorrow.