Time penalty for littering in Cykelvasan 2026 – enforcement stepped up

For this summer’s edition of Cykelvasan, littering controls will be stepped up. The rule, which has been in place for several years and forms part of Vasaloppet’s sustainability efforts, states that anyone caught discarding litter outside designated areas during their race will receive a 15-minute time penalty.

Together with its participants, Vasaloppet has made major efforts over several years to reduce littering in the Vasaloppet Arena. The trend has been moving in the right direction towards the goal of eliminating litter altogether.
“Unfortunately, we saw an increase in littering along the ski course this winter, and we now want to address the issue proactively by asking Cykelvasan participants to help us take responsibility for the natural environment and show respect for our arena. To ensure that the rule is followed, we will also strengthen monitoring along the course by deploying additional race officials,” says Tommy Höglund, Sports Director of Vasaloppet.

The Vasaloppet Arena is a nature reserve that stretches across land owned by around 900 individual landowners. Littering is prohibited under Swedish law and Vasaloppet has worked for many years towards a zero-tolerance approach. Participants caught discarding waste outside designated areas may therefore receive a 15-minute time penalty.

“We do everything we can to make it easy for participants to do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish in designated areas, both in summer and winter. With all the litter zones we provide, littering shouldn’t be an issue, but unfortunately it still is,” says Tommy Höglund.

During Cykelvasan there are eleven litter zones equipped with large nets, positioned to make it easier for cyclists to throw away waste while riding. In addition, participants can dispose of rubbish at all seven official Vasaloppet checkpoints.

“Just as with the skiers, we hold dedicated dialogue with elite participants in Cykelvasan 90, requiring each team to take responsibility for collecting any litter they discard along the course. Every team we’ve been in contact with fully supports this approach. We’re now looking forward to a fantastic Summer Week with no litter in our beautiful arena,” says Tommy Höglund.

During Cykelvasan 2026, participants may dispose of waste in the following ways:

• In the waste bins at the seven Vasaloppet checkpoints, as well as at the start and finish.
• In the designated litter zones located between each Vasaloppet checkpoint.
• Where you as a participant know that a team leader or associate will pick up what you throw.

Upcoming events in the Vasaloppet Arena:

Vasaloppet's Summer Week 2026 – biking and running
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan 30, start Oxberg, 32 km
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, start Sälen, 92 km
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Saturday, August 8, Cykelvasan 90, start Sälen, 92 km
Friday, August 14, Funkisvasan, start Mora, 4 km
Friday, August 14, Trailvasan 10, start Mora, 10 km
Saturday, August 15, Ultravasan 90, start Sälen, 92 km
Saturday, August 15, Vasastafetten, running relay, ten legs, start Sälen, 92 km
Saturday, August 15, Ultravasan 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Saturday, August 15, Trailvasan 30, start Oxberg, 30 km

Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2027 and the 103rd Vasaloppet – cross country skiing
Friday, February 26, Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Saturday, February 27, Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday, February 28, Öppet Spår Sunday, start Sälen, 90 km
Sunday, February 28, Vasaloppet Pro Race 30, start Oxberg, j30 km
Sunday, February 28, Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Tuesday, March 2, Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 5, Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Saturday, March 6, Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
Sunday, March 7, The 103rd Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km

Vasaloppstrippeln – ski, bike and run, all in one year
Vasaloppstrippeln is a challenge where you complete three races – skiing, cycling and running – during one and the same calendar year. Choose between 30, 45 or 90 kilometres.

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High-resolution photos from Vasaloppet
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/vasaloppet/latest_media

Text and photos may be freely published.

For more information
Camilla Sandy Swarén. Press Manager Vasaloppet
+46 (0)70-384 95 00
camilla.sandy@vasaloppet.se

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