Axel Jutterström is no longer a surprise. He stunned his hometown of Mora when he finished 3rd in the 2022 Vasaloppet. Last Sunday, he repeated that feat by taking 3rd place in the Ski Classics opener in Bad Gastein. But now, the 25-year-old from Team Eksjöhus is no longer an unexpected contender.

Axel Jutterström is no Longer a Surprise

Many eyebrows were raised when he claimed 3rd place in the Vasaloppet nearly three years ago. Who was this young local who nearly won the most prestigious race in Mora’s skiing world?

By now, most people know him. His 3rd place finish in Bad Gastein last weekend was no major surprise.

Wrong Tactics Last Weekend?

Team Eksjöhus came close to winning Sunday’s 36 km Bad Gastein Criterium. Perhaps their tactics at the finish could have been better. They had three skiers among the five leading racers just before the finish line.

Axel Jutterström led the pack right up to the sprint, but a 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finish was likely not what they had hoped for in such a promising race situation.

Still, for 25-year-old Jutterström, it was a significant achievement—his third podium finish in the Ski Classics and further proof that his first win is likely just around the corner.

Read also: Bad Gastein Criterium – Men’s top 3 interviews and video highlights

Part of Team Eksjöhus from the Start

He finished just centimeters ahead of teammate Morten Eide Pedersen.

“We’re the two who have been with Team Eksjöhus from the very beginning. This is my fourth season with the team started by Espen Träldal and Oskar Svärd”, he says.

Naturally, he hopes his first victory will come at the Vasaloppet.

Last year, he was the team captain in the race, but teammate Thomas Ödegaarden managed to get into an early breakaway group that held the lead until the finish. As a result, Axel was “stuck” in the chasing pack.

A Sensation at Home

“People in Mora were surprised when I made the Vasaloppet podium. So was I. I hadn’t shown that level of performance before”, says Axel.

Everyone in Mora follows the Vasaloppet.

“Almost everyone is involved with the race in some way, both in winter and summer,” says Jutterström.

A particular skier fueled his interest in the event.

“It was back in 2010-2012 when Jörgen Brink won. That’s when my interest in skiing really took off,” explains the skier.

Still, Axel continued competing in traditional races until Espen Träldal called and asked if he wanted to focus on long-distance skiing.

A Perfect Fit

“I didn’t think I had a chance with any of the bigger teams. Before Espen’s call, I had already considered long-distance racing. I’d even raced the Vasaloppet twice before” states Axel.

Then, everything clicked for Axel Jutterström.

“I think one reason is that double-poling suits me well. Progress in traditional racing was slow, but when I adjusted my training for long-distance races things improved quickly” he explains.

His 3rd place in Bad Gastein last Sunday marked his third Ski Classics podium finish. In addition to his 3rd place in the 2022 Vasaloppet, Axel took 2nd place in last season’s La Venosta ITT.

Now, he’s waiting for his first victory.

Eyeing Marcialonga

His first win might not come at the Vasaloppet.

“Marcialonga might be just as much of a favorite. It’s a long and fairly flat race, except for the final climb. I like that climb too,” says Axel, hopeful that his first Ski Classics victory will come in one of the major races.

He has trained hard for this season and makes a living from cross-country skiing. Long-distance racing suits him perfectly.

“I enjoy training and have no problem logging long hours. My body handles it well, and I don’t get injured or sick easily. It’s a strength to be able to train consistently year-round” states Jutterström.

Strava Nerd and Disc Golf Fan

Axel Jutterström also praises Team Eksjöhus’ female coach, Marte Kristoffersen.

“She’s a great coach. I have a lot of freedom with my training schedule and do what works best for me. Marte gives excellent advice and steps in if she thinks I’m training too much or too little—it works well for me”, he says.

The 25-year-old from Mora is a true Strava enthusiast. He maps out training routes when Team Eksjöhus is at training camps and spends plenty of time using Strava.

Axel told Langd.se that he is also a disc golf fan and that he enjoys playing in his free time.

“Today, I can make a living from skiing, even though it’s not a luxurious lifestyle. Coming from earning nothing, it feels good to be able to live off the sport. Of course, I’d like to earn more and secure my future a bit better, but there’s no financial stress at the moment.”

However, Axel Jutterström has no clear post-career plans just yet.

First, he intends to win the Vasaloppet—and get his picture on the wall of the Vasaloppet House.

You can read more articles about long-distance skiing at ProXCSkiing.com.