It all started in 1922, since then hundreds of thousands of skiers have crossed the finish line. It is not only the longest, but also the oldest cross-country race in the world, which also has the highest number of participants.
The race, which is one of the sporting highlights of the Scandinavian winter, has been very popular among Czech cross-country skiers for many years. They celebrated great success here in the past. Kateřina Smutná won once and Stanislav Řezáč stood on the podium several times.
The record on the 90 km track is currently held by Norwegian Tord Asle Gjerdalen with a dizzying time of 3:28:18.
Thousands at the start. The first race was held on March 19, 1922, and 119 participants started. The winner was 22-year-old Ernst Alm in 7:32:49. In the 80th race in March 2004, about 15,500 skiers already started in the main competition. More than 40,000 took part in one of the seven different races held during the first week of March. The current record is held by Norwegian Tord Asle Gjerdalen from 2021 with a time of 3:28:18.
Sprint to the finish line. Although the race measures 90 km, usually a group of competitors sprints to the finish line and the differences are in the end in tenths and hundredths of seconds. Last year Norwegian Anders Nygaard won this way with a sprint finish.
Blueberry soup. Traditionally, refreshment stations serve blåbärssoppa (“blueberry soup”) made by the food company Ekströms. The Swedish word for blueberry, blåbär, literally means “blueberry”. About 50,000 liters are served during the Vasaloppet week. During Vasa’s run, the body uses almost 8,000 kcal, which corresponds to almost four normal days of energy intake. Blueberry soup provides energy and soothes the stomach at the same time. Blueberries contain a lot of antioxidants that protect cells in the body. By the way, the word blåbär has a double meaning today, it is also used to denote “newbie”.
Tradition. Every year, skiers also present themselves in traditional costumes. The whole race was inspired by King Gustav Vasa’s remarkable journey from Mora to Sälen, when he fled from the soldiers of the Danish King Christian II in the winter of 1520-1521 at the beginning of the Swedish War of Liberation. The Swedish nobility nicknamed him the “Tyrant King”. According to legend, Gustav fled on skis. The modern competition began in 1922 and has been a part of Worldloppet events since 1979. While Gustav traveled from Mora to Sälen, the modern race goes in the opposite direction and ends in Mora.
Kranskulla and kransmas. The girl in costume next to the winner is a “kranskulla”, carefully selected by the organizers before the race. Kulla is a girl from Dalarna, krans is a wreath. So Kranskulla is the woman who was given the honor of hanging a laurel wreath around the neck of the winner of the race when he crosses the finish line. The kransmas man then decorates the fastest woman. Being selected as a kranskulla is almost as special and difficult for a local girl as winning the race itself. Selection requirements are strict, the kranskulla must be from Dalarna and unmarried. In addition, she should demonstrate athletic prowess. Also because the wreath must be handed over to the winner in the run before the finish line.
Famous Czechs. The Czech competitors also did a great job here. Kateřina Smutná (pictured at the finish line with kransmas) won here in 2016. The legendary Stanislav Řezáč was second here between 2003 and 2012 and even third four times.
Rules. They ride classics and any use of free technique leads to disqualification. But… for the world’s best, it’s a different classic than what ordinary cross-country skiers ride. The elite, including the women, ride the race mostly using skis on smooth skis (the Czech Fabián Štoček is in the picture in the middle of the track). Only someone from the top rubs climbing waxes into the hills. Skis are allowed to be removed, but only downhill. The length of the pole is individual, but in classical skiing there is a rule limiting the maximum length to 83 percent of the height of the skier wearing ski boots.
Celebrities. Vasa’s run also includes celebrities. In 2019, for example, the Swedish Prince Carl Philip managed the 90 km run, who was greeted at the finish line by Princess Sofia and Prince Gabriel.
