What does Vasaloppet mean for you?
Kikkan: The Vasaloppet has always been one of the most famous races you hear about as a cross country skier. Having spent so much time in Sweden, everyone talks about it and what a proud accomplishment it is to ski the Vasaloppet. I have watched the race on TV and heard so many stories. So I am excited to see the biggest and oldest cross country ski race in the world with my own eyes, and to test myself over the distance of 90km! Probably the longest distance I will have ever skied!
Where do you get your motivation from that you still do a lot of training and races?
Kikkan: I love cross country skiing and so I continue to do it for fun and exercise as much as I can. Having races on my calendar is a strong motivation to fit in more skiing, especially when the calendar gets busy. I love that I get to see so many of my favorite people, and people who share my love for skiing, when I go to these races. In the post-racing life, I don’t get that privilege as often anymore!
What is the reason that you will take part at the Vasaloppet this year?
Kikkan: I have been skiing on Fischer skis since the day after my first birthday and we have a long partnership. So when Fischer invited me to come to Sweden and ski the Vasaloppet this year, I just had to say yes! Racing in the Vasaloppet has been something I have looked forward to doing now that I am not racing full-time any more. It will be fun to test myself over the long distance and ski together with so many people! It’s also a nice excuse to come back to Sweden!
What are you looking forward to the most at Vasaloppet?
Kikkan: I’m looking forward to experiencing the trail and skiing together with so many people. I’ve always heard about the blueberry soup, so that will be fun to try. Also just excited to test myself over a long distance!
What do you expect from the race, what is your target?
Kikkan: I have to be honest with myself that I am not training full-time for ski racing anymore. I am lucky now if I get to ski 2 days a week, I don’t live as close to the snow. Life has been busy with family and work and so I just hope to go out and ski hard and hold together for all 90km. Just skiing that long should be a good challenge :). I will try to go hard and fast as long as I can.
Photos: @nordicfocus / @mitchellimage
