Vätternrundan

Vätternrundan is a 300 km cycling tour in Sweden, which will be held on a weekend in June. With 18,000 participants to the finish -down (2009) it is the largest width cycling event in the world ( expected number of participants times Mileage km). The number of participants had to be limited, especially since there are two smaller races 150 km and 100 km Halvvättern Tjejvättern (only for women). Overall, the three races to go about 35,000 cyclists at the start.

Route

The route circles the second largest lake in the country ( Vättern ) and is part of Skandinavialoppet. The race was started in 1966 for the first time and has since been held annually. The organizer, the race is classified as a keep- race, which is also expressed that although the times of the individual drivers covered, but it derived no placement or is published. Due to the many participants who usually start with the support of friends and family, the event is similar in places more like a festival than a bicycle race, however, is one of the greatest sporting challenges for an amateur cyclist who requires a meticulous and time-consuming training preparation.

We start in Motala direction south to circumnavigate the Vättern clockwise. The following stations of the 300 km stretch of about 1,500 meters above sea level are:

• Hästholmen
• Gränna
• Jönköping
• Tracklights
• Hjo
• Karl Borg
• Boviken
• Hammarsundet
• Medevi

Permits are only upright bicycles, including tandems. Recumbents, tricycles, scooters or motorized wheels are not permitted. Wearing a helmet is compulsory.

The Vätternrundan is part of the " Swedish classic", the combination of four long-distance competitions in various sports in Sweden.

Development of the number of participants

Since the first discharge with 344 starters Vätternrundan was able to announce new attendance records almost every year. Already registered for the second launch, over 1,000 participants. 1981 about 10,000 applications were first counted, and 2010 over 20,000. 2013 went from 22,800 registered riders 19,406 at the start. 18,475 reached the target within the given time limit.

Other rides in the Vätternrundan

Place about a week in advance will be held three more events. The Tjejvättern is a race over 90 km for women only. The organizers expect that there are comparatively few women who wish to attend the Vätternrundan. The 150 km Halvvättern serves both as a small variant of the Vätternrundan as well as preparation for ambitious riders. There is also for cyclists 6-10 years Minivättern with 1.3 or 2.6 km, depending on age.

For women, the participation of the Tjejvätterns is considered part of Skandinavialoppet.