Conference turris::scandia

57.0. "The Wasa Race" by TLE::SAVAGE (Neil, @Spit Brook) Fri Feb 21 1986 15:15

    Long-distance ski racing is justifiably associated with the Nordic
    counties.  In Sweden, the most famous is the "Vasaloppet" - the
    Wasa Race.
    
    This 89km (48-mile) marathon starts at S�len near the Norwegian border
    and concludes at the small town of Mora on the northern rim of Lake
    Siljan in Dalarna. It typically attracts over 1000 skiers from all 
    over northern Europe.  
    
    This year the competive race takes place on March 2nd, but the 
    "�ppet Sp�r," a form of Wasa Race for those seeking exercise, is
    being held from February 24 through 26.  Participants can take part
    at their own pace with individual time-keeping provided.
    
    The Wasa Race retraces the arduous route taken in 1521 by Gustaf
    Vasa, who led Sweden to independance from the Danish king, Christian
    II, and who is regarded as the father of his country just as George 
    Washington is regarded as the father of the United States.
    
    Gustaf was trying to incite the men of Mora to rebellion.  But they
    were disinclined to believe Gustaf's sensational story of the "Massacre
    of Stockholm," wherein eighty-two presumed enemies of the Danish
    king were murdered in three days.  In dispair, Gustaf Vasa set off
    for the safe haven of the Norwegian mountains.  
    
    Soon afterward, messengers arrived in Mora, confirming Vasa's tale.  
    Two of Mora's hardiest ski runners set out to recall the monarch-to-be;
    they intercepted him as he reached S�len and told him that the people
    were ready after all to rise under his leadership.
    
    This was a turning point in Sweden's history.  In two years, Gustaf
    Vasa freed Sweden and put an end to foreign domination of his country.
    
    Of the 1000 to 1100 who test their strength and abilities against
    Vasa's difficult course, it is said that all but a hundred or so
    eventually reach the finish line.  This achievement is fully
    appreciated by the thousands of spectators who cheer the last skier
    as heartily as the first.
    
    Neil

    Add one "0" to the number of people that take part in the big event.
    It is a very impressive sight to see the 10,000 start in S�len.
    
    Several thousand people go on skies from S�len to Mora during "�ppet
    sp�r".                                                         
    
    /Olof Gulln�s