Ski Classics continues with Vasaloppet on Sunday, March 5. The 90-kilometer classic race marks the eleventh stage and the third Grand Classics event of Season XIV.
The 90-kilometer race on the first Sunday of March is the oldest and most prestigious event in Ski Classics. With thousands of participants standing together at the same starting area, this long-distance mass start race is the one that every Pro Tour athlete dream about winning.
During Season XII, on Vasaloppet women’s side, the Norwegian Astrid Øyre Slind, Team Aker Dæhlie, and former Team Koteng Eidissen, won the race after a winning streak of Swedish Pro Tour athletes since 2017. On the other hand, the Norwegian men have been dominating the race for ten consecutive editions. Can next season, someone else, stop the trend?
Importance and Traditions
Vasaloppet is not just the biggest ski race in the world, it’s also one of the most significant sports events globally. The brand has evolved into an institution with several events and activities in its annual summer and winter weeks.
Since 1922, over 1.7 million participants have crossed Vasaloppet’s finish line portal. The saga of the race goes back to 1520, depicting the tale of Gustav Eriksson Vasa, who rebelled against Denmark and eventually became the first King of free Sweden, with the 2023 Vasaloppet edition marking the 500th anniversary since the crowning of the King.
A Popular Mountain Destination
Sälen, the start location of Vasaloppet, is known for its seven alpine ski resorts. The oldest of them is Högfjällshotellet, which was built in 1937 and remained one of the most popular vacation destinations in the area. Famous rock band U2 filmed their New Year’s Day music video in Sälen in December 1982.
Many mountain farms also serve waffles, snacks, and hot drinks, and Vasaloppet participants can enjoy their offerings when getting ready for the long journey from Sälen to Mora.
Swedish Tradition At Its Best
Mora is, of course, world-famous as the finish location of Vasaloppet, but it is much more. There is a very idyllic Scandinavian-style downtown area with boutiques, cafés with Swedish “fika,” great diners, and restaurants with local dishes.
The town is also known for its Mora knives and longcase clocks, and everyone knows the symbol of the area, “Dalahäst,” a traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna.
With good cooperation over the years, Vasaloppet and Ski Classics keep developing together, bringing a century of traditions and culture since 1922 and recreating that in a modern way.
VASALOPPET – Ski Classics Pro Tour – Event 11
- Date: March 5, 2023
- Distance: 90km Classic Technique
- Place: Sälen-Mora, Sweden
- Start Time: Women 8:00 CET / Men 8:00 CET
- Number of SC Sprints: 2
- Sprint 1: Smågan
- Sprint 2: Evertsberg
- Number of SC Climbs: 1
- Climb: First Hill
More information about Ski Classics you can find at skiclassics.com.
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