This is how you can pass the Vätternrun as a first-time skier

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June 16 is the time for this year’s edition of the Vätternrundan. Over 20,000 cyclists gather in Motala to face the challenge.
– You want to prove to yourself that you can handle it, says Oskar Sundblad, CEO, Vätternrundan.

Vätternrundan is a 315-kilometer cycle race that goes around Sweden’s second largest lake the weekend before midsummer every year.

But it is also incredibly much more than that. The race is a folk festival and an experience. But above all – a challenge.

-Cycling 315 kilometers is not something you take lightly. It’s hard for everyone. Some run in seven hours and others in almost a day. But it does not matter. The challenge is to prove to yourself that you can finish, says Oskar Sundblad.

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE – REGISTER FOR THE WATER ROUND HERE!

Oskar himself has ridden the Vätternrundan 14 times and has experienced the race both as a rider and as an official. He has seen many go from first-time participants to die-hard fans.

Oskar and his friends don’t mind cycling at night.

– Some who come haven’t cycled a meter before. They don’t know what happens to the body after seven hours in a saddle. Then you can get really sick afterwards. But that’s what’s so great about sports people. They are triggered by such things and prepare more for next year.

Oskar himself recommends that you cycle up to 100 miles in the spring as preparation for the race – although he is careful to point out that the Vätternrundan is an event for everyone.

SEE WHICH WATER ROUND RACE IS SUITABLE FOR YOU HERE

– It’s not a competition and you don’t have to have an expensive racing bike with handlebars to ride. One of our biggest profiles is called Stig Johansson, he is 77 years old and rides the round on a non-geared Husqvarna bike from 1937 in clogs. You set the level yourself.

Stig Johansson is interviewed at the finish line.

What tips do you have for first-time skiers?

– Take it easy on the slopes and try to join groups, then you save a lot of energy. Stop in the pits and fill up with energy. They are there for you as a participant and are full of nice people and officials who can help.

Do you have any good tactics for how to lay out the stretch?

– Try to save energy at the beginning so that you can last the whole race. If you feel energetic towards the end, you can press hard and then be met by all the lovely people in Motala.

Are there any pitfalls to avoid?

– Make sure to wear a pair of cycling pants that you have tried cycling with before. Otherwise, there is a risk of you getting serious abrasions. But the classic mistakes are otherwise that you forget to eat or that you drive too fast.

DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S CYCLING FESTIVAL – REGISTER FOR THE VÄTTERNROUND HERE

Facts about the Vätternrundan:

  • The Vätternrundan with start and finish in Motala is, with its 315 km, the world’s largest exercise bike race, 16 – 17 June.
  • The race is included together with Engelbrektsloppet, Vasaloppet, Vansbrosimningen and Lidingöloppet in En Svensk Klassiker.
  • In addition to the long race, the Vätternrundan cycle week consists of Halvvättern 150 km, Tjejvättern 100 km, Vätternrundan 100 km, MTB-Vättern and Minivättern for children
  • Every year, the Vätternrundan generates approximately SEK 10 million mainly for various sports organizations that work on a voluntary basis for the race.

    • The Vätternround in numbers

  • … Cyclists from over 60 nations participate in the race. Most foreign cyclists come from Germany, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Great Britain.
  • … After 25 rounds you become a veteran.
  • … The Vättern Run has a pioneer, Stig Johansson from Fagersanna, who has completed ALL the races since its inception in 1966.
  • … During the race, 170,000 smooth buns are served.
  • … 10 tons of bananas.
  • … 3 tons of pickles.
  • … 20,000 liters of Enervit sports drink.
  • … 100,000 cups of coffee.

    • spbln-sports