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

For the upcoming Vasaloppet Summer Week 2023, it is now confirmed that the course right after the start in Sälen will update, meaning that participants in Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, Cykelvasan 90, Ultravasan 90, and Vasastafetten will climb the classic first slope and reach the highest point in the Vasaloppet Arena, just like the skiers do in winter.

"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. 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.


Vasaloppet upcoming events

Vasaloppet's Summer Week 2023 – biking and running
Friday, August 11: Ungdomscykelvasan, 32 km, start Oxberg
Friday, August 11: Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, 96 km, start Sälen
Friday, August 11: Cykelvasan 30, 32 km, start Oxberg
Friday, August 11: Cykelvasan 45, 45 km, start Oxberg
Saturday, August 12: Cykelvasan 90, 96 km, start Sälen
Friday, August 18: Trailvasan 10, 10 km, start Mora
Saturday, August 19: Ultravasan 90, 92 km, start Sälen
Saturday, August 19: Vasastafetten, 92 km, running relay for ten-person teams, start Sälen
Saturday, August 19: Ultravasan 45, 45 km, start Oxberg
Saturday, August 19: Trailvasan 30, 30 km, start Oxberg

Vasaloppet's Winter Week 2024 and the 100th Vasaloppet – cross country skiing
Friday, February 23: Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Saturday, February 24: Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday, February 25: Öppet Spår Sunday, start Sälen, 90 km
Sunday, February 25: Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
Monday, February 26: Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Monday, February 26: Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Evertsberg, 43 km
Monday, February 26: Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 28 km
Tuesday, February 27: Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 1: Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
Friday, March 1: Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Friday, March 1: Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 1: Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Saturday, March 2: Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
Sunday, March 3: The 100th Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km (FULLY BOOKED)

Vasaloppstrippeln – ski, bike and run, all in one year
Vasaloppstrippeln is a challenge where you complete three races – skiing, cycling and running – during one and the same calendar year. Choose between 90, 45 or 30 kilometres.

For the latest news – follow us on social media all year round!
Like Vasaloppetofficial on Facebook and follow Vasaloppet on Instagram!

High-resolution photos from Vasaloppet
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/vasaloppet/latest_media

Text and photos may be freely published.

For more information
Camilla Sandy, Press Manager, Vasaloppet
+46 (0)70-384 95 00
camilla.sandy@vasaloppet.se

More on Vasaloppet
www.vasaloppet.se
Press room: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/vasaloppet
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vasaloppetofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasaloppet