Almost 50,000 athletes are expected to take part in the longest cross-country skiing race in the world on March 7 in Mora, Sweden. The 90km Vasaloppet is the highpoint of more than 10 days of winter sport events. Amateurs are welcome to take part in what is one of the best known cross-country races.
His facial features are as rough as the landscape of the province of Dalarna in central Sweden. Gabriel Torenfaelt takes a sip of hot blueberry soup with quivering hands. He’s 87 years old and was the oldest competitor in this year’s race.
“You have to fight. Reach the finishing line or die,” he says in a quiet voice.
PHOTO: AFP
He plans to take part again next year.
The series of events begins on Feb. 26 and ends with the Vasaloppet. In nine races participants aim to reach the wooden door on Mora’s main street. Inscribed on the door are the words: “For Victory and the Future in the Trail of the Fathers.”
Professionals such as this year’s winner, Daniel Tynell from Sweden, take about four hours to complete the course. Most of the remaining competitors need twice that before they reach Mora.
There are two days of events called the Oppet Spar where anyone over the age of 17 who feels they can race 90km may take part. However, the course is hilly and it can get very cold with temperatures of minus 15ºC.
The rules dictate that competitors use the classical style of cross-country skiing. The skating style is banned with the exception of the skating races, which are between 30km and 45km long.
If you don’t have much experience in cross-country skiing, your best bet is to begin with the Halvvasan 45km race, which is a more relaxed event and less competitive than the other races.
The Vasaloppet is Sweden’s biggest sporting event. Every year about 300,000 spectators and competitors travel to this remote forest region close to Lake Siljan, where elks and bears live. Hotels are always booked out and businesses rely on the economic boost the event provides.
Local families often rent their homes out to visitors and hundreds of competitors can be found staying overnight in sports halls. If you are looking for a more peaceful Vasaloppet, it’s a good idea to try and find a wooden house in the town of Orsa about 30km north of Mora. Space is also provided for anyone who wants to camp.
It costs US$245 to take part, but the fee usually rises in the week before competition begins. The ski trails are perfectly prepared and refreshment stations provide waxing services for skis, bread and endless amounts of blueberry soup. Some 3,500 helpers keep the event going.
If you know the number of a participant you can follow their progress online. Mora’s sports shops can prepare your skis and it’s a good idea to wait until the day before racing begins, as the professionals wax their skis depending on prevailing snow conditions.
The Vasaloppet began in Dalarna in 1922 when the Vestmanlands Lans Tidning newspaper initiated the race in honor of the freedom fighter and future King Gustav Vasa, who fought against the Danes in the 16th century and who fled to this part of Sweden.
Fearing a massacre by the Danes, the people of Mora sent two of their fastest men to locate Gustav. They found him 90km away in Salen. The Vasaloppet Museum is located right beside the finishing line and documents this story.
Most participants in the Oppet Spar have reached the door in Mora by the time the sun has set. Some, however, give up, while the tougher ones keep going into the cold night.
After more than 10 hours in the open, Gabriel Torenfaelt reached the finishing line and passes the town church where the victor’s laurel wreath is being blessed. The wreath is given to the winner of the professional race. By the time Gabriel reached the finish there were not many people there to see him cross the line, but that’s of no concern to the man who will be here again next year to show the world he is still alive.
Prospective participants can register for the Vasaloppet online at www.vasaloppet.se.
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