By Pierre Doyen- Alberta Masters Skier
To Vasaloppet!
Over a year ago my good friend Bill Scriven suggested that we participate in the 2014 edition of the Vasaloppet. A few glasses of wine and comments about his bucket list convinced me that participating in one of the most famous cross country ski races in the world was a good idea! Going to Sweden to ski 90 kilometers with 16,000 people sounded quite reasonable according to the label on the second bottle of red!
The Vasaloppet was first hosted in 1922 but its history dates back to 1520 when according to the legend Gustav Vasa, the future king of Sweden took refuge in the area while threatened by Danish warriors. The race commemorates the courage of individuals who skied the 90 km distance between Salen and Mora to ask Vasa to lead the rebellion that eventually created Sweden.
The concept that a large crowd willingly engaged every year in skiing such distance was intriguing. I was determined to discover the reasons why seemingly smart people from the land of Ikea, Volvo, Thule, Ericsson, Electrolux and many more would repeatedly participate in such event. I suspected the answer resided in the blueberry soup served at checkpoints. A soup laced with a magic concoction made by old druids must be the rationale for mass insanity! Surely a culture that encourages fitness and winter activities combined with national pride were not enough.
Bill and I arrived in Sweden a few days before the race to allow for time zone adjustment. Once in Mora (where the race ends) only a few seconds are required to recognize the importance of the Vasaloppet for the Dalarna region of Sweden. The registration area is efficient and professionally managed. Organizers are helpful and vendors are stocked with anything a skier may require. The small town is literally invaded by thousands of participants.
On race day we got up at 2:45 AM. We needed to catch the bus to Salen at 3:30 AM for a 2 hour ride to the starting area. Salen is much smaller than Mora and the single road access resulted in long bus and car line-ups to our destination. Complete darkness limits the initial shock that comes from realizing the size of the stadium. Finding our assigned start coral (number 10 for us), placing our skis “tent form” and finding the right truck that will deliver our warm clothes to the finish takes another hour. At 8:00 AM on March 02, 2014, we along with 16,000 other people resembled tiny hairs on a slow moving giant human caterpillar.
Universal klister was the only option for the mild and changing snow conditions. The organizing committee had considered cancelling the event due to the lack of snow. The first 3 km were particularly slow. Many skiers had difficulties climbing seemingly soft inclines resulting in funnels and delays. Passing people was easier on flat sections. The course is not technically difficult, just long! The snow conditions alternated from soft, icy, wet, and mushy with ice fog sections. Tracks were visible in the later part of the course. Double poling which I did for 2/3 of the race was best. I can still feel the strain in my shoulders 10 days after the event.
Check points are well stocked with Vasa buns, warm energy drinks, bouillon and blueberry soup which is more like warm blueberry juice. Private individuals can be seen along the way offering support (heja-heja-heja), fluids and treats. Many have small ski tuning tables for those in need of waxing or repairs. The main checkpoints have comprehensive technical assistance. Families can be seen in various locations along the course. Main sponsors are visible and active in providing goodies. Safety officers are present. Each skier has a transponder to keep track of individual progress and for final timing.
Alas, I regret to declare that no hallucination came from ingesting copious amount of blueberry soup. The desired impulse did not materialize between 60 and 70 kilometers when my body was in particular need of special powers. I tried to imagine being chased by some scary Vikings, just like Vasa had been in 1520 to give me a little boost, to no avail. Coming out of this moribund state was the result of being passed by a fellow who looked 20 years older than me. Even a mild mannered Canadian could not accept this affront! My inner warrior came out and permitted that I catch this skier and finish before him. I later discovered that he was wearing a veteran’s bib given to those who have completed the event 30 times!
Finishing in downtown Mora is very satisfactory. Thousands of skiers preceded me at the finish line but nobody can take away the satisfaction of completing the Vasaloppet. A great experience!
I want to acknowledge John Reeves who provided sound coaching advice during the year of training prior to the race. John helped me get in shape and enhanced my technical skills with weekly programs. A combination of fitness training including weight training, distance and interval skiing were instrumental in preparing to ski 90 km. The ability to double pole over an extended period of time and long skiing at zone 1 are essential for this type of event. A good sense humor is required along with good mental preparation. Spousal support is crucial which I received in droves.
For those interested in more information about the Vasaloppet and/or your future participation, just send me a note. I will be happy to share my thoughts and suggestions with you.
Pierre Doyon