Over the past week, Janteloppet has been the subject of intense discussion. That’s understandable — most of the voices raised come from a place of real passion for our sport, and we don’t take that lightly. At the same time, it’s important for us to share the facts, clarify our position, and explain how we move forward — with respect, with resolve, and with the best interests of cross-country skiing at heart.
We take seriously the concerns raised by athletes like Astrid Øyre Slind and Ebba Andersson. Their protests are rooted in deep commitment to the sport, and we welcome that passion.
We also want to be clear: Janteloppet has not reduced any women’s prize money. The 40 km elite race was cancelled due to low participation. The 20 km is not an equivalent race, and the prize pool we introduced there was a voluntary addition — not a subtraction.
Janteloppet is now one of the most visible events in the world of cross-country skiing — and we welcome the responsibility that comes with that spotlight.
Over the past week, we have been in deep and open conversations with top female athletes, listening carefully to their experiences, feedback, and frustrations. These conversations have not only helped us understand the reaction to this year’s race cancellation, but also illuminated some of the root causes behind lower participation in long-distance women’s racing.
Some of the important themes we’re now exploring include:
We will:
We’re not perfect. But we are honest. And we’re here for the long run — for the sport, for the athletes, and for progress.
