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It’s a classic image in Swedish sport: the great mass start from Berga By in Sälen. But when Vasaloppet is decided next year, it will look different.
The organizers have decided that ladies can start 20 minutes earlier than men, at 7:40.
“We see it as a test this winter that we will have to evaluate later,” says Vasaloppet sporting director Tommy Höglund.
Tommy Höglund sees pros and cons with his own start time for the ladies.
“It will be good to avoid the crowds with the elite athletes on the first hill so that they can see the competitors better. At the same time, they lose the traction aid of the boys, ”he says.
The 20 minute lead means that in theory the ladies could reach the finish line at roughly the same time as the men. This year’s male winner Stian Hoelgaard was just over 15 minutes faster than female winner Lina Korsgren on the stretch between Sälen and Mora.
Next year’s women’s competition now it is getting more attention. On the starting line, Korsgren and fellow Swedish star Britta Johansson Norgren are challenged by returning Norwegian phenom Marit Bjørgen.
Next year’s elite competition at Vasaloppet will be held on March 7.
Due to the corona pandemic, only elite skiers will run the classic route on the traditional Vasaloppet Sunday.
