The world’s largest cross nation ski race celebrated its 102nd version final weekend and the turnout was as soon as once more staggering. The Vasaloppet combines elite and leisure athletes ski collectively as they tackle a 90km cross nation course within the hills of Sweden. 15,000+ athletes joined within the mass begin in Sälen and battled it out to the end line in Mora.
Fascinating tidbit: throughout the 90km race, athletes burn round 8,000 kcal. To compensate for this heavy caloric exercise Ekström’s blueberry soup (blåbärssoppa) is served at each checkpoint alongside the best way which offers a lot wanted power whereas being soothing to the abdomen. Blueberry soup is the Scandinavian sports activities beverage of selection…superb.
Right here’s an incredible compilation of crashes from a hard nook in them center of the 90km course:
Vasaloppet began in 1922, however actually it’s a lot older than that. The primary Vasalopp was carried out as early as 1521 by Gustav Eriksson. Throughout his flight from the Danish king he stopped in Sälen and returned to Mora to steer the rebellion in opposition to the occupation forces. Gustav Eriksson ultimately united the realm and have become Sweden’s first king, higher identified underneath the title Gustav Vasa. In different phrases, Sälen just isn’t solely the place to begin for the world’s largest train race; it is usually the place to begin for the historical past of our entire nation.
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