The Ski Classics Challengers series continued with Vasaloppet China 2025, held last Saturday in Changchun, China. The event featured a 50km long-distance skiing race in classic technique and delivered an exciting day of competition for both professional and recreational skiers.

A Decisive Win for Malin Börjesjö

Malin Börjesjö, Team Internorm Trentino GSG, emerged victorious in the women’s race, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:25:31. Reflecting on her performance, Börjesjö emphasized the importance of nutrition and strategy:

“It was a good race in general,” Börjesjö said to ProXCskiing.com.

“I felt in the first lap that my skis were not as fast as I had hoped they would be. I think the skis speed up in certain places on the lap. So, it was very different depending on where you were. Halfway through the race and until the lake, which was in the end on the lap, that’s where my skis were the fastest. Then I could gain a lot of people.”

Her attention to fueling during the race proved to be a decisive factor:

“I think this race was important to have a lot of feeds. The girl who ended up 2nd was first the entire race until the last 3km, where I passed her, and she looked very, very tired. So, I did a good job with eating a lot of gels and drinking a lot of energy. I think that was my key to success.”

China’s Li Lei claimed second place, finishing 1:42 behind Börjesjö, while Zhang Zheng, also from China, secured third place, 2:25 back.

Women’s Top 3 Results

1. Malin Börjesjö, Team Internorm Trentino GSG, 2:25:31
2. Li Lei (CHN), +1:42
3. Zhang Zheng (CHN), +2:25

Full results can be found HERE

Also Read: Börjesjö and Štoček winners of Vasaloppet China 2025

A Milestone in a Busy Season

For Börjesjö, who balances a full-time job alongside her skiing career, this victory marks another highlight in an ambitious season. Looking ahead, she shared her plans for upcoming races:

“I am working full time, so I need to take vacation time for races. I will be in Marcialonga for the race. Of course, Vasaloppet, and for the final race, it will be Summit to Senja.”

Read More – Ahead of Vasaloppet China 2025: “I’ve always liked adventures”

Ski Classics Challengers

As Vasaloppet China is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes could collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

Complete results of Vasaloppet China can be found here and here, and a list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2024/2025 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.  

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