The 24-hour world record attempt was originally planned for January, but weather conditions prevented the attempt, and the event was rescheduled for March. The provisional date has been set for next Sunday, with the exact start time yet to be confirmed, but the plan is to begin well before noon in Lahti.

“I have always started these performances in the morning after a rested night, and I believe that is the best possible start time,” Teemu explains as he prepares for the upcoming challenge.

If the weather and conditions are not optimal, the start date will be postponed. Last spring, Teemu attempted to break the record at the Vaajakoski sports track, but conditions and lack of support skiers foiled the attempt. However, he skied the world’s second-best result by double poling, leaving just over 443 kilometers behind.

“The attempt at Vaajakoski, however, gave me a lot because now I know how to ski for that day. The last time I completed the whole attempt was when I set the world record in November 2010. In Sweden, I skied against Swedish Eric Wickström and Russian Denis Kabanen in Vålådalen in spring 2016, when I had to quit after 21 hours. Of course, I was there in Levi in 2018 when Hans broke the world record, but then my distance was just over seven hours,” Teemu recalls his previous attempts.

Hans Mäenpää’s official Guinness World Record is 472km 007m. At Levi, Anni Angeria also broke the women’s world record, which is now 375 km 564 m. Susanna Ylinen is set to break this record simultaneously with Teemu. Susanna will have her track, and she also has the option to ski next to the track using the free skiing technique.

“The idea for this crazy attempt came last year when I skied continuously for 300 kilometers in Ylläs. At that time, I could have continued if I had had service and company there. I skied a little over 20 hours then, but the journey was slowed down by the northern mountains and the hydration pack I had on my back,” Susanna explains.

Breaking world records requires perfect conditions, seamless service, and a good day for the athletes.

“I have the chance to break the record because I am in really good shape right now, and the season’s ski races have gone very well. Even in my old age, I can still push a good pace in races. However, the average speed for the performance must be 20 km/h, so every component, from the weather onwards, has to be just right. Last spring, I already set the world record for veterans, that is, over 40-year-olds, and I can certainly improve on that if there are no problems along the way,” 56-year-old Teemu considers his chances of breaking the record.

On the other hand, Susanna strongly believes that the women’s record is breakable. Of course, nothing can be left to chance, and the 24-hour performance makes the first-timer nervous.

“I’m starting with confidence, but the journey is so long that it has to be respected. I have experience with long ultra-challenges in different sports, but I’ve never tried to break any records before, especially a world record. I aim to perform steadily and accurately and look forward to skiing. I believe that the on-site service, possible support skiers, and atmosphere will strongly help me move forward,” Susanna considers her strategy for the day-long effort.

The 24-hour world record attempt will be broadcast on ISTV, and a live stream will also be available in the international media. Therefore, a large audience will follow Virtanen and Ylinen’s attempts. The broadcast will also include a 24 H Studio, where host Ari Sakari Tuukkanen will interview guests on-site and remotely. The guests will consist of national ski stars and international long-distance skiing athletes. Influencers from the Lahti region will also be highlighted during the broadcast.

“The live stream will be interesting and entertaining, and viewers will have the opportunity to follow our performances, learn something new about the craziness of skiing, and meet various interesting people. Ari will professionally handle the broadcast from start to finish. It will be a unique experience for all viewers,” Teemu summarizes the TV broadcast built around the event.

The 24-hour world record attempt at Lahti Ski Stadium is open to the public, and both athletes welcome everyone who can come to support them in their pursuit of world records.

Read more about Teemu Virtanen’s 24-hour skis and other challenges here. Susanna Ylinen can be followed on Instagram.