In this interview, Proxcskiing.com had the pleasure of speaking with Torleif Syrstad, the Lager 157 Ski Team athlete who clinched victory at the 100th edition of the iconic Vasaloppet with almost a 4-minute advantage. This marked his first triumph on the Ski Classics Pro Tour. 

Syrstad’s win is a testament to his skiing capabilities, exceptional strategy, and resilience. 

Also Read: Syrstad and Fleten win the 100th edition of Vasaloppet

Vasaloppet is a pinnacle event in the world of Ski Classics and long-distance skiing, and winning this race places Torleif Syrstad among the top athletes in the sport. His victory is made even more extraordinary considering his balance of a professional career alongside his athletic pursuits, showcasing an inspiring dedication.

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Throughout the interview, Syrstad shares his journey to this historic win, delving into the emotional moment he realized victory was within reach and reflecting on this achievement’s personal and professional significance. 

He provides insights into the race strategy that propelled him to the forefront, the importance of teamwork in such a demanding event, and how he balances his athletic ambitions with a full-time job. As he looks ahead to future challenges, including the prestigious Birkebeinerrennet next weekend, Syrstad discusses his preparation and mindset following this landmark victory. 

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Vasaloppet Highlights 2024

Congratulations on your historic win at the 100th edition of Vasaloppet and your first-ever Ski Classics Pro Tour win. Can you describe the moment you realized you would win and what it means to you personally and professionally? 

“Thank you! Winning the 100th edition of Vasaloppet and my first victory in the Ski Classics Pro Tour was truly a dream come true. I finally executed a perfect ski race! The moment I realized I would win was a mix of excitement and disbelief. I still don’t fully comprehend it today, but I think it will gradually sink in. It means so much to me personally, as it has been a goal for me since I did my first Vasaloppet in 2016, and professionally, it opens new opportunities and recognition in the world of cross-country skiing.” 

You executed a decisive solo move during the race. What was your strategy going into Vasaloppet, and when did you decide to make your move? 

“My strategy before Vasaloppet was to be aggressive. I knew I was in good shape and that the distance and conditions suited me very well. My teammate Alvar had told me right before the start to break away on the first hill, and when I saw he was serious on that first hill, – I just had to hang on! The first hill was the toughest part of the race for me, probably because I gave almost everything I had and knew there were about 90km to go. The further we went, the better I felt compared to the others in the group. I wanted to wait as long as possible so the main group didn’t start chasing us too early. Between 50-55km, I decided to push on until 69km, where I knew there was a hill that could create a decisive gap.” 

This victory places you in the limelight of Ski Classics and long-distance skiing. How have you prepared for this season, and what do you think has been the key factor in your success this year? 

“I have prepared for this season by balancing my full-time job with training, focusing on quality over quantity. I believe the key factor for my success this year has been being able to constantly assess the total workload in my everyday life so that I could get the most out of my training. Additionally, despite combining it with my physiotherapy work, I have had a high level of training consistency, but it has been very long days and hard work.” 

Your teammate, Alvar Myhlback, also finished strong, securing third place. How important is team strategy in events like Vasaloppet, and how did your Pro Team’s dynamics play into your victory? 

“Team strategy is crucial in events like Vasaloppet, and our team dynamics played a significant role in my victory. Having a strong teammate in the breakaway gave our team a huge advantage, and I also knew that I had the team’s trust in the main group as they wouldn’t help chase me down before securing the win for the team. I also felt that I could have gone solo earlier, but I wanted to wait as long as possible out of fear that the main group could catch Alvar, as I really wanted him to join me on the podium.” 

Read More – Myhlback about the podium at Vasaloppet: “It doesn’t get bigger than this”

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With Birkebeinerrennet coming up and it being another Grand Classics event, how will you prepare for this next challenge, and does your approach change after winning such a significant race as Vasaloppet? 

“As I prepare for Birkebeinerrennet and other upcoming challenges, my approach remains focused on consistency and sticking to my training plan. Winning Vasaloppet has given me a confidence boost, but I know I must continue to work hard and stay disciplined to achieve more success in the future. I am someone who always looks forward, and now my sights are set on Birkebeinerrennet!”

After Race Interview

Next up is Birkebeinerrennet on March 16. The event marks the twelfth Ski Classics stage and another Grand Classics event, Season XV.

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. 

SKI CLASSICS PRO TOUR SEASON XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 37km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com