The annual Mora, Minnesota Vasaloppet, founded in 1973, provided perfect weather for skiers and watchers alike during the weekend of Feb. 9-10. Besides several ski races, skijoring, and fat bike races, there was an international conference of Vasaloppet organizations in China, Japan, Sweden and Minnesota. The goal for this gathering was to promote Vasaloppet.
Text & photo: Valorie Arrowsmith
Race results, 52K Vasa Race
Female: Jan Guenther, 2:32:13.430; Kaythleen Dewahl, 2:35:20.200; Sarah Peters, 2:37:22.300
Male: Matthew Liebsch, 2:07:32.690; Andrew Brown, 2:12:38.290; Adam Mahar, 2:21:38.790 ENLARGE IMAGE »
35K Dala Race
Female: Laura Cattaneo, 1:44:33.130; Maureen Lybarger, 1:47:50.891; Maggie Pierson, 1:48:01.190
Male: Nathan Porath, 1:28:45.490; Paul Olson, 1:28:55.650; Spencer Davis, 1:31:47.920 ENLARGE IMAGE »
In Mora, Minnesota, Vasaloppet representatives from Japan, China, Sweden and Minnesota met for a conference that promotes the ski events in each country. This flag display stood along part of the main street final feet. Your photographer is seen reflected in the window, dressed for the weather. Other folks were invited to sit inside the Zimmerman shop to warm up. ENLARGE IMAGE »
At the end of the race, Torbjörn Pettersson, head of the China Vasaloppet, and Jonas Estéen, head of the Mora, Sweden Vasaloppet, compared notes with local Mora, MN. Cross-country ski coach Chip Gerdin. ENLARGE IMAGE »
Artist Keith Raivo answers questions about his sculpture depicting Vasaloppet board members. Members of the Swedish contingent were viewing the artwork. ENLARGE IMAGE »
Torbjörn Pettersson, head of the China Vasaloppet, left, checks in with another Swedish ski participant at the finish line. ENLARGE IMAGE »
Once skiers round the final corner in the Mora, MN. Vasaloppet ski race, they head down Main Street to the finish line. ENLARGE IMAGE »
Steve, Paul, Jill, Mary, and Steve enjoyed some time for visiting in the Welcome Tent at the Mora, MN. Vasaloppet in early February. Steve Pearson, far right, added an arts element to the festivities when he performed an original song called, “Gotta Get Back…(to the Mora Vasaloppet)” ENLARGE IMAGE »
If guests along the ski trails forgot to bring their cowbells with them, never mind, because one can purchase them in the Vasaloppet headquarters. ENLARGE IMAGE »
The weather conditions were great for skiing, and this participant from Sweden shows some icy additions to his beard after his race. ENLARGE IMAGE »
Suus leads the way after crossing the finish line for skijoring at the Mora, MN. Vasaloppet. Keith Raivo attempts to help Suus know that the race is now over.
Skijoring and fat bike races are two events that occur on day two of the Mora Vasaloppet weekend. ENLARGE IMAGE »
