– We want to create an increased sense of security for the active and have set aside some extra resources for this, says Johan Eriksson, CEO of Vasaloppet.
In recent years, climate activists have struck in connection with major ski competitions in Norway and Sweden.
In December, they acted in connection with the pre-WC in Trondheim. In connection with last year’s Vasalopp, climate activists jumped into the track when the lead passed Hökberg.
In the case of the Vasaloppet, the protests have mainly been about the organizers’ collaboration with the oil company Preem. A collaboration that also exists this winter.
Security corridors
Ahead of Sunday’s edition of the Vasaloppet, the organizer is working more aggressively to meet potential activists.
At the race in Mora, the organizer built extra fences and thus created new safety corridors between the audience and the track. This is to reduce the risk of someone jumping into the track.
– It is a measure to create more security for the active, says Johan Eriksson.
Enhanced surveillance
The monitoring along the course will not only focus on what happens at the ski track. Now there will be better control of what happens on the side of the track.
– For us, it’s about reading the mood and the atmosphere. That we become more accurate.
How does it happen?
– I don’t want to tell you that for the simple reason that this is work we like to do on the side, Johan Eriksson replies.
Is it a form of intelligence about how the climate groups act?
– We need to have that question with us. That’s how I want to express myself.
Do you know which groups are likely to hit?
– It is clear that in some conversations with the authorities we also have that type of conversation. It is the police’s business to pursue those issues.
“Security question”
Johan Eriksson also says that officials received information about what they can do if environmental activists strike during the competition.
– We see this as a security issue for the individual who may be carrying out some form of activism. We are worried that they do not realize the consequences based on the fact that the elite skiers can reach very high speeds. If there is a large group, it can be difficult for the riders further back in the group to see what is happening. In those situations, judgments are made as to whether we dare and can remove those who dare to step out into the arena.
Johan Eriksson adds:
– It is also important that there is not an upbeat atmosphere, that people feel worried about this. We want to create a nice arrangement.