Torleif Syrstad was on his way to victory in the 100th Vasaloppet after evading two activists.

The verdict has now been delivered for the two activists who were arrested by police and security guards during the storming of the 100th Vasaloppet. “We assume it will happen again,” says Vasaloppet’s sports director, Tommy Höglund.

With 500 meters left to the finish after nearly four hours of skiing, Torleif Syrstad was set to parade toward victory. However, the celebration could have taken a grim turn when several protesters stormed the Vasaloppet arena. The police and security guards on-site quickly arrested the activists in question, two men in their 50s.

It is only now that the verdict has been handed down against two of the men, both connected to the organization “Restore Wetlands.” The penalty is daily fines for violating public order, 40 daily fines of 50 kronor each, amounting to $190 USD each, reports Expressen.

The men admit to the offense but claim they acted in self-defense and were exercising their right to protest, which the district court rejected, according to Expressen.

Vasaloppet enhances its readiness

Tommy Höglund, sports director of Vasaloppet, says that they were aware of the activists’ presence and that they have already prepared for it happening again.

Read more: Impressive Vasaloppet win for Torleif Syrstad

Activists in Trondheim

“We knew that there were protesters along the course last year. But you can’t intervene as long as everyone behaves. You can stand with your banners, but you can’t disturb. It’s only when the order or the event is disrupted that you can intervene,” Tommy explains over the phone.

“Vasaloppet has taken action and implemented several measures to increase safety for both spectators and skiers. For starters, we now have more security guards and an extra fence along the entire final stretch so the audience won’t be standing right next to the advertising barriers,” Tommy points out and concludes:

“Additionally, the police, on their own initiative, have contacted us to start a dialogue. The police have appointed an operations manager whose task is to work on Vasaloppet’s security. For this reason, we also have periodic meetings with the police. A more intense period is coming, and we will meet again in two weeks. We are preparing and assume that protesters will show up again.”