Since eight is an important lucky number in Chinese culture, Vasaloppet China celebrates a special anniversary on Jan 2, 2010 with its 8th time in Jingyuetan Park outside Changchun. Except for the professional ski athletes taking part in the race as one of the stages in Tour de Ski China and the ski enthusiast from home and abroad, there are also some special athletes in this years race…
They are the disabled that will ski in Ridderrennet China. Ridderrennet is a ski race for disabled people that started in Norway in 1962 and is being held every year in Beitostolen during the Ridder week. Nordic Ways and the Norwegian Embassy organized the Ridderrennet China from 2003-2006. After a few years break, the race will come back in 2010 with one group for visually impaired, blind and physically handicapped and one group for deaf and deaf-mutes. The race will be held on Jan 1, the day before Vasaloppet China.
History of Vasaloppet China
2003-The first Vasaloppet China is attended by 750 skiers, the Vice president of the World Skiing Association and Swedens Ambassador to China Borje Ljunggren. Winner – Oskar Svärd, Sweden
2004 – Sino-Sweden trade fair is held in connection to the Vasaloppet China. Winners – Jorgen Aukland and Li Hongxue
2005 – Winners – Stanislav Rezak and Li Hongxue.
2006 – Winners –Stanislav Rezak and Li Hongxue. Ridderrennet is held in connection to Vasaloppet China for the 3rd time.
2007- Mass start live broadcasted by CCTV and EBU. Winners – Stanislav Rezak and Wang Chunli
2008 – The first Tour de Ski China is held with Vasaloppet China being the Classic style stage for the professional skiers. Winners – Fredrik Persson, SWE and Peng Yonghong
2009 – 10.000 skiers take part in the 7th Vasaloppet China. Winners – Anders Hogberg and Li Hongxue
You can sign up for Vasaloppet HERE, or click on the links to the left to learn more.