Virtanen’s record attempt was canceled twice when earlier attempts planned around Helsinki Ski Weeks were canceled due to snowfall and warm weather earlier this spring.

The current record holder is Hans Mäenpää. Mäenpää skied a record of 472 kilometers in 2018. Virtanen also held the record when he skied 433 kilometers in 2010. Virtanen aims to break the 480km barrier, which means around 1,000 laps and an average speed of 20 kilometers per hour on the Vaajakoski track, measuring just under 500 meters per lap.

“The record attempt has been pushed twice already, and of course, it has been frustrating to be prepared again and again, but now everything is looking good, and the track looks good as well,” Virtanen says.

Virtanen will change the skis each 1 to 1.5 hours for optimal glide. He is prepared with nine different pairs of skis for different conditions, from which a few pairs have a special grind made specifically thinking of the record attempt.

Read More about Virtanen’s previous attempt here.

The weather forecast looks promising and icy tracks may contribute to the new record attempt, with daytime temperatures being just above zero.

“If the track stays icy and solid, I have every chance to take the record. Of course, this is such an extreme performance that anything can happen.”

The Livestream link of Virtanen’s record attempt will be updated later when available.