Jenny Larsson Sets Sights on Defending Her Title at Klarälvsloppet

Jenny Larsson is gearing up to defend her title at the Klarälvsloppet, Sweden's longest roller skiing race. After completing a training camp and logging approximately 300 kilometers on roller skis earlier this week, she is honing her preparations for the winter season while aiming for victory in this highly anticipated event.

"I won’t hide the fact that I want to stand at the top of the podium again," Larsson shared with SVT Sport. Last year, she clinched the victory in the nine-mile race after a thrilling sprint finish. The Klarälvsloppet holds significant importance for many long-distance skiers, as it serves as both a critical competition and a fitness test before the season kicks off.

"Nine miles is always a challenge; it often takes an extra hour compared to what you typically train and race at. The course is extremely flat, which suits me very well, especially on roller skis, so it will be an exciting race," Larsson remarked.

At 28 years old, the long-distance star switched teams earlier this spring and is now competing for Lager 157, a Swedish team.

"It genuinely feels like coming home. It’s great. Sometimes you need a new source of inspiration in life, and this arrangement felt like a perfect fit for me," she expressed.

When discussing the differences in training regimens, she noted, "I would be lying if I said there were huge differences, but at our level, it's often the small details that make all the difference. It’s hard to say, but I believe in the training I’m doing. My goal this winter is to compete for podium finishes, with the Vasaloppet as a highlight."

Emilie Fleten, the reigning champion from last year, is also in the running and aspires to add a prestigious roller ski victory to her accolades this Sunday. "90 kilometers isn’t something you often encounter in a long race, so it's essential training for me. I'd be disappointed if I wasn’t in contention for the win," Fleten acknowledged.

Additionally, today’s event marks Stina Nilsson's debut as a long-distance skier, which has both Fleten and Larsson excited about her participation.

For more insights into the long-distance stars' competition plans, be sure to tune in to the video above.