- Watch the Birkebeinerrennet on NRK next Sunday.
Two weeks ago, Torleif Syrstad showed his muscles when he won the 100th edition of the traditional Vasaloppet. The 29-year-old – who goes for Lager 157 – took his first victory in “Vasan”.
But it could end in the worst possible way. Not many meters before the finish line, demonstrators tried to enter the course. Luckily for the runners, the guards managed to stop it.
– I saw them ten minutes before I passed them. I realized that the security guards took them, but I was so focused on my race that I didn’t think anything more about it, says Syrstad at a press conference before this weekend’s Birkebeinerrenn.
Dialogue with the police
Before the traditional race, which is being organized for the 84th time, the organizer of both Birken and Ski Classics is on its toes.
– We have had a dialogue with the police and together we have assessed the threat picture. It is not forbidden to speak out, but we want to prevent the safety of runners and volunteers from being challenged, says general manager of Birken, Hans Otto Olsen, to Dagbladet.
Thrown himself into the trail
Olsen goes on to say that he himself was present at the Vasaloppet, when activists tried to spoil the party.
– We have informed volunteers to be careful, and told them that you must intervene or report if you see anything abnormal.
The start for the elite class takes place on Sunday. Among the participants we find Petter Northug, Emil Iversen and Astrid Øyre Slind. In addition, there are a lot of long-distance profiles at the start.
THE BIRKE BONE RACE
- The Birkebeinerrennet runs in classic style and will be held for the 84th time on Sunday 17 March in 2024.
- The trail is 54 km long. Start is at Tingstadjordet, 3 km from the center of Rena and finish at Birkebeineren Ski Stadium, Lillehammer.
- The number of height meters has been accumulated to: 1105 m ascent and 918 m fall
- The idea for the Birkebeinerrennet is taken from the historic Birkebeinerrennet. The 3.5 kilo bag, which all Birkebeiners must carry, symbolizes the king’s son Haakon Haakonsøn.
- The Birkebeinerrennet was organized for the first time in 1932.
Source: Birkebeiner.no
Sea view
David Nilsson, race director of Ski Classics, informs Dagbladet that they have taken measures to prevent anyone from entering the track.
– We have a jury member who walks a little way ahead of the lead who can communicate if something happens to the runners. If something happens, we have guards and police around the track who can intervene. As you could see in the Vasaloppet, we were very aware that something could happen, and handled it well. They could ruin the race for Torleif, says Nilsson to Dagbladet and continues:
– We try to be prepared, but we can never know what will happen.
PREVIOUS WINNER: Andreas Nygaard has won the Birken twice before. Now he demands a postponement. Photo: Alexander Sundal Skjerven / NTB Show more
Start postponed
On Thursday, long-distance runner Andreas Nygaard sounded the alarm. The 33-year-old told Dagbladet that he saw darkly that Birken could be carried out on Saturday.
The weather forecast for Saturday shows that in some parts of the trail it will blow up to 25 meters per second in the throws. This corresponds to 90 kilometers per hour.
– I got coffee in my throat when I saw the weather forecast earlier today, Nygaard told Dagbladet.
GO WRONG: The Swedish reporter ran into problems when she reported from the slopes in the Vasaloppet. Video: SVT Show more
The winner of the Birken in 2018 and 2022 was ready to go:
– Move Birken to Sunday. Make a decision early and dare to be adaptable.
The 33-year-old said that he has received an incredible number of reactions from people who agree that Birken should be moved to Sunday.
– I feel sorry for the organizer. It is a nightmare for them.
On Thursday afternoon, Nygaard’s prayers were heard. In a press release, the organizer confirmed that the race will be moved to Sunday. Read more here: