For the first time, on August 11, you can secure a better-starting wave for Vasaloppet in a double poling machine competition. 

According to a press release from Vasaloppet earlier today, during Vasaloppet’s summer week of 2023, the first seeding race in history will be held on a double poling machine. The race is run as a test this year on Friday, August 11, at 18:00 and is primarily a virtual race for recreational skiers around Sweden and the world. Some participants also race on-site in Vasaloppet’s exhibition area in Lindvallen, and the event can be followed both on-site and via live broadcast at Vasaloppet.tv.

The seeding race on a double poling machine is organized by the official Vasaloppet coach Erik Wickström and his colleague Erik Thiberg from Wickström Coaching and relates to those who want to seed for Vasaloppet 2024.

“It feels fantastic that this is finally becoming a reality,” says Erik Wickström, who has trained on double poling equipment since 2010. Our coaching group of more than 250 recreational skiers recently carried out a similar event. Seeing how appreciated it was with a slightly longer race on a double poling machine was inspiring.”

A popular form of training

The seeding table is predetermined and is visible on the race’s website. It is possible to seed as far as wave 2 at Vasaloppet 2024.

“We have had seeding races on roller skis for a long time, but it is more common with training on a double poling machine among our participants. It feels both nice and exciting to test that this year and offer a seeding race in this form of training. Then we will evaluate and see how we set up the plans in the future,” says Cathrine Mörk, seeding manager at Vasaloppet.

“Everyone is welcome to participate in the 90-minute seeding race, regardless of their level. You can choose to ski as hard as you can, and you can also enjoy the broadcast,” says Erik Wickström.

Read more about the race and register here.

Are you interested in long-distance skiing? Click here and read more.