Winning the first edition of a new race is always high on the wish list of top athletes and, in the case of Lisa Norden and Sara Svensk that will probably be a little bit extra in the case of Challenge Vansbro. After all, they will be competing for the win in their home country, what makes it an even more special race for them. In the men’s race there is also a home favourite: Jesper Svensson.
Lisa Norden is the woman to keep an eye on, as following her victory at Challenge Salou earlier this year, she will be at the start at Challenge Vansbro with a lot of confidence. Norden is an athlete who has been performing at the highest level for years – including winning silver at the 2012 Olympics – and the same goes for the always strong Sara Svensk. The two compatriots will battle at their best and put each other to the test for sure.
In addition, they will have to deal with another woman who is also one of the favourites: India Lee. The British athlete always performs well and will want to make things difficult for the Swedish women. There are also many other women at the start of Challenge Vansbro, including the Swedes, Anna Bergsten, Jenny Nilsson, Jenny Nae, Rebecka Forsstrom, Mikaela Holmberg and Caroline Larsson.
In the men’s race, the most is expected from Jesper Svensson. Not only because he is a world-class athlete, but also because he has the home advantage, which almost certainly gives him extra wings. Nevertheless, the Belgian duo Emmanuel Lejeune and Victor Alexandre can certainly provide a surprise. In addition, Ognjen Stojanovic, among others, is also at the start; an athlete who more than once knows how to peak at the right moment and thus knows how to surpass himself.
