Ahead of Marcialonga Bodø, Team Engcon’s Hanna Lodin delivers a clear message: a top 3 overall finish is within reach. She also admits that the downhill towards Lillehammer intimidated her somewhat.

The skier from Eskilstuna is the highest-ranked Swede in the Ski Classics overall standings. Ahead of Marcialonga Bodø, she holds third place.

She reflects on her expectations for the race.

“I haven’t seen much of the course, but it looks quite flat. It seems very fun, and I think we’ll be a fairly large group towards the end, maybe like Jizerská (Jizerská50). We’ll see. I expect it to be quite tough given the conditions,” Lodin said during the Marcialonga Bodø Live Sessions earlier this week.

Several days of above-zero temperatures and rain have forced the organizers to relocate the race. Sulitjelma will now host Marcialonga Bodø.

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of Marcialonga Bodø Season XVII

Birken was a rollercoaster

On Saturday, March 14, it was time for this year’s edition of Birkebeinerrennet, the race from Rena to Lillehammer, where participants must carry a 3.5kg backpack.

Can you describe how you felt during Birkebeinerrennet?

“Well, it was a rollercoaster. Up to Dølfjellet, it was really a struggle for me; I almost lost contact with the main group. Then the pace dropped towards Raudfjellet, and I was just hanging in the group. My body felt fairly okay at that point.”

Earlier in the Live Session, Lodin was asked what she needed to improve. Her answer: she needs to be more offensive and take more risks.

“Up to Midtfjellet, I thought it would be tougher than it actually was. After that, it was just about staying with the group. I knew I had good skis on the downhills, so it was about trusting them and working together with the other three girls. As I mentioned earlier, I became too passive towards Lillehammer.”

“I’ve skied that downhill earlier this winter when there was more snow and slightly slower tracks, so I got a bit too scared during Birkebeinerrennet. I couldn’t follow Silje (Øyre Slind) and Anniken (Gjerde Alnæs). Even though I fought all the way to the finish, it wasn’t enough.”

A new Hanna Lodin – improved and surprised

Lodin’s development in this Ski Classics season has been significant. Last year, she reached the podium once, finishing third at Jizerská. This season, she has been there more often. In addition, she has finished fourth several times, showing clear progress even though she is a bit surprised.

“I’m a bit disappointed in myself for not challenging myself as much as I should have. A little disappointed, but still on the podium – it’s crazy. I think this was my fourth podium this season,” says a happy and surprised Lodin.

Strong belief in top 3

What do you think about your chances in the overall standings?

“I still believe I can fight for a top 3 finish, especially third place. That’s what I’m aiming for and what I want to go for. The chance is there.”

How did your body respond after Saturday’s race?

“Pretty well. It feels like my body found good form after Vasaloppet and Orsa. I’ve recovered relatively quickly, so I wasn’t as tired afterwards as I was after Vasaloppet.”

The women’s race starts at 10:40 CET on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

More information about Marcialonga Bodø can be found HERE

Marcialonga Bodø program, start lists, live timing, and live streaming on SC Play can be found HERE and HERE

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