“A completely surreal experience to be received by cheering people at the finish as a recreational skier and be interviewed by Argentinian TV,” says Didron.

Last weekend, Ushuaia Loppet took place in Argentina. The event in the southernmost city in the world is a Ski Classics Challengers event, and this year two Swedish skiers were at the starting line: Johan Didron and Peter Skoog.

“We came here on holiday. We thought it would be cool to experience the race but also Argentina as a country. The football, the culture, and the food,” says Didron, who competes for DPONLY Ski Team.

“The people and the organizers are absolutely fantastic. Our trip started off a bit like a nightmare as we didn’t get our luggage, but then a guy named Alejo showed up and offered us clothes and gear to borrow. So, both he and the club mates in Club Andino Ushuaia have helped us tremendously.”

How was the race?

“It was the first time I competed without being nervous. The Argentinians have a nice ‘calmness’ that is contagious. Everything is always a little delayed, which can be experienced as a bit of a shock for us Swedes, but it’s just a matter of getting used to it. The race was like one big folk party. The course went up into the mountains, and the surrounding environment was amazing. Good tracks and varied terrain. I absolutely think that Swedes should include this race on their list,” says Didron to Langd.se.

“Crossing the finish line as the first skier was a surreal experience with cheering people taking pictures and filming. As a recreational skier, getting to do a victory interview on Argentinian TV was crazy cool,” concludes Didron.

Read More: Didron and Lane winners of Challengers Ushuaia Loppet