Karolina Hedenström, Lager 157 Ski Team, finished fourth at Vasaloppet after a solid finish. Ahead of Birkebeinerrennet on Sunday, she is third overall in the Ski Classics Champion competition.

Karolina Hedenström finished fourth at Vasaloppet two weeks ago. She made a strong race and passed several skiers in the last three kilometers.

“I had no chance of reaching the podium in this year’s Vasaloppet the way the race turned out. But I am very happy with how I completed the race and so happy with fourth place,” Karolina Hedenström tells Langd.se.

What was the reason why you were a little further back in the first half?

“Mostly because I didn’t have my best day but tried to work my way into the race. Halfway through, I got some energy and felt much better, so for the last 30 kilometers, I just tried to give everything I had. Also, my skis were fantastic.”

After Vasaloppet, Karolina has had a hard time recovering.

“I was empty both mentally and physically. But I have tried to take it easy and not train too much. It’s important for me to think about other things. Then I’m usually ready to do a good job again,” she says.

Also Read: Watch Birkebeinerrennet Live Sessions

On Sunday, Birkebeinerrennet will take place, postponed one day due to the weather. The event is one of the races Karolina has been looking forward to the most this season.

“Before the winter, Birkebeinerrennet was one of my biggest goals. Long and with uphills suit me well. I hope for good skis and shape, and we will see how far it takes me,” says Karolina about this weekend’s race.

Read More: Birkebeinerrennet postponed to Sunday

With four races left in the season, Karolina is in third place overall in the Ski Classics Champion competition. It is a close fight, and she has only 90 points ahead of Ida Dahl, who is in sixth position.

“Even though there are only four races left, there are many kilometers, and a lot can happen. It’s close behind, and the top six are within 90 points. Of course, I want to finish as well as possible in every race, but I just try to take one race at a time,” Karolina concludes.

Birkebeinerrennet – Course Map & Profile

Birkebeinerrennet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12

• Date: March 16, 2024 (postponed to Sunday, March 17, 2024)
• Distance: 54km Classic Technique
• Place: Rena-Lillehammer, Norway
• Start Time: Men 7:45 CET / Women 8:00 CET
• Number of SC Climbs: 2
  • Raudfjellet: 20km (Iconic Climb)
  • Midtfjellet: 34km
• Number of SC Sprints: 0 
• Website: Birkebeinerrennet 
• Live Center: Birkebeinerrennet
• SC Play: Birkebeinerrennet

More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found HERE and HERE

Birkebeinerrennet – Video Highlights Season XIV

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next up is Birkebeinerrennet on Saturday, March 16. The 54-kilometer long-distance skiing race in classic technique marks the 12th Ski Classics stage and the final Grand Classics event, Season XV.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 17, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com