BIRKEBEINERRENNET COMES WITH A HEROIC TALE AND AN ADVENTUROUS COURSE
Like Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet has a long history and its origin stems from a heroic tale of courage and adventure. The story goes back to the harsh times of the 13th century when two fearless soldiers, birkebeiners, rescued a young prince and skied over the mountain fighting against the wild nature around them. This young prince, Haakon, later became the king, and to honor him and his rescuers all participants carry a 3.5 kg backpack symbolizing the weight of the precious cargo that the birkebeiners had on their backs on their adventurous journey.
Birkebeinerrennet has one of the most challenging courses in the Visma Ski Classics Pro Tour. There is a long 20 km climb to the mountaintop at Raudfjellet with only one relatively short downhill section at 13 km. The second challenging uphill starts at 28 km, and after 40 km of “mountain skiing” skiers reach Sjusjøen and start their descent to Lillehammer. During the last 14 km, there is a 400-meter drop in elevation, and the finish is at the Olympic stadium.
Up Next in Season XII 2021/22
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Årefjällsloppet XII 62km, Vålådalen S...
Årefjällsloppet was part of Visma Ski Classics Pro Tour Seasons III-VII and did a comeback in Season XI. They are back with a stunning course of 62 km for the elite skiers, the longest distance so far in Visma Ski Classics' history. Årefjällsloppet start and finish in Vålådalen, Sweden and includ...
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Reistadløpet XII 50km, Setermoen-Bard...
REISTADLØPET - A BREATHTAKING ADVENTURE ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
The 50 km long Reistadløpet is the northernmost race in Visma Ski Classics, and it has the hardest course in the Pro Tour. The race starts in Setermoen, which is in the municipality of Bardu in Norway, and goes through arctic landsc...
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Ylläs-Levi XII 70km, Ylläs-Levi Finland
YLLÄS-LEVI - MAGIC OF FINNISH LAPLAND WITHIN YOUR GRASP
The concept of Ylläs-Levi has existed for many years as a lot of people have skied, either by themselves or in groups, from Ylläs to Levi, both popular ski resorts in Finland.
Then in 2016, a small group of cross-country enthusiasts rolled...
