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It may seem like an emergency call. Last week, the organization behind Vasaloppet launched a savings program that, among other things, means that twelve services are reported. At the same time, major exercise events were canceled during the fall due to the corona pandemic.
Vasaloppet wants to avoid a similar fate.
– We are sitting right now turning and activating all the options we have. Our goal is for Vasaloppet to finish this winter as usual. So it remains to be seen in what way, says Vasaloppet Acting CEO Johan Eriksson.
The conditions are described So tough. This year’s Vasaloppet Week was characterized by a lack of snow and a sharp reduction in the number of participants. The following week, the coronavirus closed the company.
Will Vasaloppet survive if the next edition is canceled?
– At present, we have not begun to think along that line. During the month of October, we must make a decision on how we will do it with the Vasaloppet 2021. If we were to cancel, it would have great consequences and would not only affect the area in which we live and work, but also the entire Ski Sweden. It would probably be emotional for many if it didn’t happen.
Eriksson doesn’t want to go into detail about how to look at the issues surrounding mass departures.
– It is too early to start talking about possible corona adaptations. We do not know what the infection situation is like at that time. Of course we work with him and do evaluations, but the focus at the moment is on more short-term problems.
Can Vasaloppet 2021 be done in a similar way to Hemmavasan?
– Of course we are considering that possibility. But we prefer to create an offer on the spot. We believe that it is important for people to get to the important starting point in the town of Berga and experience everything there.
In addition to the savings the organizers are also exploring the possibility of streamlining operations. Eriksson describes it as a total review of the organization.
– We look at the entire business and see what we can develop. Some office work can be transferred back to clubs and nonprofit activities, she says.
Despite the prevailing apocalyptic atmosphere that hangs over all major exercise events, there is a total focus on the future. After 2021, a historic 2022 awaits. Then the Vasaloppet will be 100 years old.
– We see a general trend among people now. Many people are tired of sitting inside and want to get out and move. It still feels inspiring for the future, says Eriksson.
Read also:
Vasaloppet must save – warns staff
Concerns in Mora about Vasaloppet
