New course layout for 2023 – Cyclists and runners tackle Vasaloppet's first hill

”The first hill is, along with the start, final stretch and finish portal, a classic Vasaloppet landmark. There has been a desire from us and participants to make this development happen, and it feels great to be able to present it for this year’s edition of Vasaloppet’s Summer Week,” says Tommy Höglund, Sport Manager at Vasaloppet.

When Cykelvasan started in 2009, approximately 40 km of the route was on asphalt roads. Over the years, the course has gradually moved into the Vasaloppet Arena, decreasing the asphalt and enhancing the nature experience. Moving both cyclists and runners onto the first slope is another step in that direction.

”The start of both the cycling and running races will now have a new character, one that will bring a fun challenge to all participants. Similar to our winter races, the challenge and experience will vary for each participant depending on their ambition,” says Tommy Höglund.

There’s been a long-standing desire to move away from the asphalt road, as a natural development of the summer races. For cyclists, this will also lead to safer cycling in the first part of the course, as the speed will be limited when the cycling becomes more technical.

”In Cykelvasan, this change is part of a multi-year plan towards an even better experience on the course. We have good collaboration with landowners and will continue to make changes to the route in coming years, systematically working to bring together our three sports: skiing, cycling, and running,” says Tommy Höglund.

For runners, the change applies to participants in Ultravasan 90 and those running the first section of Vasastafetten.

”The main change for runners is that they will reach classic Vasaloppet terrain much earlier in the race. Tackling the Vasaloppet Arena early on will be appreciated, and we’re confident that participants will enjoy it,” concludes Tommy Höglund.

As early as Thursday, August 10, before the Cykelvasan weekend, there will be an opportunity for cyclists to test the new course during an on-site event. People will be able to measure their strength against Sweden’s elite mountain bikers on Vasaloppet’s classic first slope, with a chance to win great prizes. Programme details will soon be found at vasaloppet.se.

FACTS
New route for Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, Cykelvasan 90, Ultravasan 90, Vasastafetten 2023:
The start takes place as usual at the Vasaloppet start in Berga village in Sälen. From there, the route turns towards the Västerdalälven river, and participants cycle/run along the riverbank for just over a kilometre before reaching the road crossing. There, they encounter the famous hill, the first and largest ascent in the Vasaloppet Arena, covering approximately 2 kilometres and a climb of about 170 metres up to the highest point at 528 metres above sea level.

The route then continues on a forest road; an easier section that allows for some recovery. Our advice is to take it easy at the start, find your own pace, and enjoy the beautiful approach to Vasaloppet’s first checkpoint; Smågan.