The 30-year-old from Norway is one of the biggest favorites ahead of Vasaloppet. But despite several victories this season, she doesn’t see herself that way.

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, Team Engcon, didn’t even think she would be able to compete this season. Last summer, she was hit by a car while roller skiing. Despite that, the Ski Classics Star has been better than ever this season and is one of the favorites for Vasaloppet.

Doesn’t See Herself as the Favorite in Vasaloppet

She has a total of three wins and has only missed the podium once. Thanks to that, Anikken is leading the battle for the Yellow bib. But she doesn’t consider herself the biggest favorite for Vasaloppet.

“I won’t take on the favorite role. I have only done Vasaloppet twice, and they weren’t my best races. So, I will be happy if I can perform at my best on Sunday and have a better experience this time,” says Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, adding:

“But I feel much better this year, and it feels like I am in good shape, both physically and mentally.”

Also Read – Anikken Gjerde Alnæs: Remarkable return to racing just six months after accident!

The Cycle Affects Performance

Anikken’s results this season show that she has maintained good form throughout. Two of her victories (3 Zinnen Ski Marathon and Jizersk50) came on the right day in her cycle, which she believes is unique.

“Being a woman isn’t always easy; maintaining peak form throughout the season or every weekend is challenging due to hormones. I know that my victories in both the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon and Jizerská50 happened on the same day in my menstrual cycle. It’s very interesting because that’s when I feel my best,” she explains and continues:

“The odds of that happening are quite unique.”

So far, you’ve had an incredibly strong season. How have you managed it?

“I haven’t been sick and have had consistent training throughout the winter. Additionally, I feel like I get stronger every week thanks to strength training and because I can train as normal.”

Vasaloppet

Vasaloppet program, start lists, results, live timing, and live streaming on SC Play can be found HERE

Season XVI of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 14 events across 10 event weekends in 6 countries. It started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 13, 2024, with the Pro Team Presentation and ends in Finnsnes, Norway, with the Ski Classics Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja on March 30, 2025.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI (2024/2025)

• Event 0: Friday, December 13, 2024 –Ski Classics Pro Team Presentation XVI – Bad Gastein, Austria
• Event 1: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Bad Gastein ITT – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Sexten, Italy, 60km
• Event 4: Sunday, January 12, 2025 – La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago – Val Venosta, Italy, 11km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 43km
• Event 6: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Marcialonga – Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 7: Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 8: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Grönklitt Criterium 61 – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 61km
• Event 9: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Grönklitt ITT – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 13km
• Event 10: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 11: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 12: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 13: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 46km
• Event 14: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com