On Sunday, Alvar Myhlback is chasing another Vasaloppet victory, and ideally a course record. But the Swedish star also reveals a bigger long-term dream: to match Klæbo’s six gold medals out of six.

While his rivals search for a weakness, Alvar Myhlback speaks about two goals: winning Vasaloppet again, preferably in record time, and pursuing an even bigger dream in the long run. Because right now, one thing is clear:

The Swedish star is making grown men nervous ahead of Vasaloppet. No one knows how to beat him.

Myhlback is the clear favorite for Sunday’s Vasaloppet. Last year, he won the legendary long-distance race with a late surge on the finishing stretch that left both competitors and commentators stunned. Now, they are at a loss.

Marcialonga winner Kasper Stadaas just shakes his head.

“I have no idea how to beat him,” says the veteran Pro Team athlete.

The comment makes Myhlback grin.

So how is he supposed to beat you?

“He’s not. He’ll just have to settle for second place, at best.”

Still, Myhlback is not taking victory for granted.

“I know it suits me well, but it’s also the hardest race to win. No one is unbeatable,” he says.

“Vasaloppet is special, and there are skiers who only perform well at Vasaloppet. I think the winner is someone who has done well here before. But it’s pointless to speculate about who the favorite is.”

Going for the course record

The fact that Myhlback has already won Vasaloppet does not make him any less hungry or motivated. Now he is setting even higher goals. Although he won Vasaloppet at 18, becoming the youngest ever, he is not the fastest in history.

How much would it mean to set a new course record and become the fastest ever in Vasaloppet?

“That would be really cool. I was a bit disappointed last year that I couldn’t say I was the fastest ever. So, if the conditions allow for fast skiing this year, I’ll try to go for it.”

Even though Vasaloppet and long-distance racing are Myhlback’s main focus, the 19-year-old admits other achievements motivate him.

Klæbo won six out of six possible gold medals at this year’s Olympics. It’s four years until the next Games. Can you match that?

“Winning six out of six? … No … I don’t think so. He’s not human. It’s impossible. He’s good at everything,” says Myhlback.

Then he pauses.

“My top level in double poling might match him.”

So, is that a long-term goal?

“Yes, of course! You always aim for the stars, and he’s the best and the first to do it. Of course, you want to match that, but it will be difficult.”

Vasaloppet takes place on Sunday, March 1. The start is at 08:00 CET, and the race will be broadcast live on SC Play.

The SC Play streaming service is available to members. There you can watch all Ski Classics Pro Tour events, selected Challengers races, and access an extensive video archive from all Ski Classics seasons.

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

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

Season XVII of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 13 events across 9 event weekends in 6 countries. 

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 47km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com