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After much traveling and thinking, it is now clear what Vasaloppet Week 2021 will be like. And it will not be a vassal race week, but just over three. That is, they have chosen to let only the elite run Vasaloppet and Tjejvasan and then open the slopes for three weeks for the remaining skiers. This is to publicize the passengers and have the opportunity to follow the guidelines and recommendations that exist due to the corona pandemic.
The Vasaloppet will run on March 7, as scheduled, but with 400 participants (300 men and 100 women) and Tjejvasan will run on Saturday, February 27, with 100 participants. SVT Sport will broadcast live to Tjejvasan and Vasaloppet.
Three weeks of open track for athletes
For non-elite skiers, the slopes between Sälen and Mora will be open between February 12 and March 7 for what the organizers call “Vasaåket”. There, those who want to reserve a starting place and choose between four different distances (10, 30, 45 and 90 kilometers). Team races and night races will also be offered during these weeks.
– We adapt the business and change so we follow the rules and guidelines that apply in society in general. We open a reservation calendar where you can book when you visit the arena, as in any ski resort, says Johan Eriksson.
The 25,000 participants already registered for a race will be assigned a start time during one of the three weeks. There, athletes will start in groups of a maximum of 300 people, where at least one pole length should be possible.
– We feel safe with this and we have had long discussions with different authorities and functions of the community to make sure that we have consensus on this. We are now in intensive planning work to ensure this and continue that work, we do so now according to the protocols and guidelines that exist, says Johan Eriksson, Vasaloppet interim CEO.
The starting place and the finish line move
In order not to have to close traffic, the starting point in Sälen will move to the Tjärnheden sports ground and the finish line will move to the Mora bell tower for the elite and the Zorn Museum for other cyclists.
Johan Eriksson also says there will be officials on site along the track throughout the period, but that there will be fewer during the weeks and more on the weekends. No showers or changing rooms will be provided.
– Everything will continue to happen so that we can better adapt our business to the current situation and create the conditions so that all skiers can safely follow the guidelines and recommendations adapted to the crown, says Johan Eriksson.
