The Swedish Classic Circuit (dead link: January 2023), (Swedish: En svensk klassiker), consists of four public long-distance sport events in Sweden. A diploma is awarded to men and women who officially complete each event within a 12 month period.
Understand
At least Vasaloppet and Lidingöloppet have contestant from the world elite.
Many athletes complete the tracks independently when the weather allows, as they are normally open to the public without fees or permits; see right to access in the Nordic countries.
A more unusual pursuit is to complete all four races within 24 hours, with vehicle transfer between the tracks. Only recommended for the most enduring athletes.
The races
Vasaloppet
- Vasaloppet. A 90 km cross-country skiing race from Sälen to Mora, commemorating king Gustav Vasa's uprising in the 1520s which led to Sweden's independence. Held annually in March. 2022-12-29
- Sälen. A ski resort which is the traditional starting location.
- Berga. The actual starting location since 1961.
- Mångsbodarna. The first traditional checkpoint.
- Mora (Sweden). The finish line.
Engelbrektsloppet
A 60-km alternative to Vasaloppet, held in Norberg in Västmanland. Not part of the official Swedish Classic Circuit, though.
Vansbrosimningen
Vätternrundan
- Vätternrundan. A 300 km cycling event around lake Vättern in June, starting and finishing in Motala in Östergötland.
- Motala. The start and finish line.
- Jönköping. The first checkpoint.
- Hjo. The second checkpoint.
Lidingöloppet
Lidingöloppet is a 30 km running race held in September along scenic forest trails. While much of the track is flat, there are some notorious uphill passages. The race is held in late September.
- Lidingöloppet. Lidingö is a suburb of Stockholm. See Lidingö history tour for a walking route in the vicinity, passing by some of the island's historic sights.
- Koltorp. The starting line.
- Lidingövallen. A sport pitch used as a checkpoint and visitor area.
- Elfvik. A checkpoint with a view of Stockholm archipelago.
- Abborrbacken, 59.3848434588927°, 18.09759759317663°. The toughest uphill passage comes 25 km into the race.
- Grönsta gärde, 59.37864°, 18.15597°. The finish line, at the island's vicarage, with a memorial statue.
See
- Vasaloppsmuséet (The Vasaloppet Museum), Vasagatan 30 (Vasaloppets hus) (Mora (Sweden)), 61.007682°, 14.545034°. A museum dedicated to the race. It has exhibitions about great skiers and interesting events during the 80-something years the race has taken place. Entry includes blueberry soup - the energy drink of choice for Vasaloppet racers.