Vasaloppet (literally, The Vasa race) is an annual long distance (90 km) cross-country ski race held on the first Sunday of March in north-western Dalarna, Sweden between the village of Sälen and town of Mora. It is the oldest, the longest, and the biggest (in terms of participants) cross-country ski race in the world, more than 15,000 people take part every year.
The legend: in 1520, the young nobleman Gustav Ericsson Vasa was escaping from the troops of Christian II, king of Denmark, Sweden and Norway (the Kalmar Union). Much of the Swedish nobility was in opposition to the king, and had nicknamed him Christian the Tyrant. In a move to silence the opposition, Christian invited the Swedish aristocracy to a reconciliation party in Stockholm, only to have them, including Gustav's parents, massacred in what came to be known as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
Gustav was escaping through Dalarna, fearing for his life if he were discovered by the king's troops, when he spoke to the assembled men of Mora and tried to convince them to raise a levy and start a rebellion against King Christian. The men refused to join the rebellion, and Gustav started toward Norway to seek refuge. However, he was later caught at Sälen by two Mora brothers on skis - the men in Mora had changed their minds after hearing that the Danish rulers had decided to raise taxes, and they now wanted Gustav to lead the rebellion. On 6 June 1523, Gustav Vasa was crowned king of Sweden, having defeated the Danish king Christian and dissolved the Kalmar Union. Sweden has been fully independent ever since.
We're five South Africans who enjoy sport, adventure and a challenge. So why not take on a new skill and compete in one of the longest races in the sport within a calendar year?
Born in the RSA (BRSA), cross-country skiing in Sweden.
Van Deventers (Gert, Marna and Nicolaas)
As if we do not have enough sport disciplines in our lives, we decided cross-country skiing is missing. We first set foot on snow in 2007 and we fell in love with the snow-top mountains and gliding down them. By now we are decent Alpine skiers, at least amongst Africans. But we've always been lured towards cross-country skiing, simply because it requires more strength and endurance and less skill. As we have not grown up on skies our skill will always lack, but as we are both stubborn we can overcome the strength and endurance requirement. We've been married for seven years during which we have shared many adventures and challenges. Another little adventure (and possibly adventurer) was entrusted to us in September last year. Nicolaas will be our keenest supporter along the way and hopefully our strength will grow as he does by running around with him in his off-road buggy. We look forward to learning, training and sharing this challenge with the BRSA Team.
Lizeli Olivier
I love magnificent mountains, the adrenaline that speed creates, a cosy fireplace and the smell of good coffee.......... So why settle for this cold, flat and crowded challenge?
Because I live for the challenge, the team and friendship, challenging my body and mind, to achieve that which seems impossible. The comradery, the hours spent discussing equipment and strategies. This is the blood that runs through my veins, a way of life.
I love magnificent mountains, the adrenaline that speed creates, a cosy fireplace and the smell of good coffee.......... So why settle for this cold, flat and crowded challenge?
Because I live for the challenge, the team and friendship, challenging my body and mind, to achieve that which seems impossible. The comradery, the hours spent discussing equipment and strategies. This is the blood that runs through my veins, a way of life.
