On Saturday, Norway’s biggest touring race takes place on dirt roads and paths between Rena and Lillehammer. But the flight of participants for Birken is formidable compared to the heyday of Birken 10-12 years ago. In 2012, more than 17,000 cyclists registered for the 85 km long mountain bike race. The starting numbers sold out within minutes online. In addition to the approx. 4,000 registered for this year’s main race, there are also approx. A total of 1,000 registered for the side events UltraBirken, TurBirken and UngdomsBirken. These are also very low numbers which worry the organiser. – Disturbing Managing Director Eirik Torbjørnsen at Birken AS believes that part of the reason for the drop-off is the corona pandemic and that many have become passive. He finds that disturbing. BIG JOB: Torbjørnsen believes that they have a big job in getting participants to events. Photo: Sindre Auståker Johansen / news – We must get the participants off the sofa and be an actor for Norwegian public health, says Torbjørnsen. He believes that Birken and all other participant-based events have a big job ahead of them. – It is important both for Birken as a company, for business and for volunteering. And not least the several thousand participants, he says. Many people cycle, but not in races The interest in cycling is still great, but not in participating with a number on the chest. Arild Salte, head of the Norwegian Cyclist Association, told news this summer. Many events have been cancelled, and this applies to both small and large bike races. – I am very worried about sport in general. When the small rides disappear, the medium-sized rides also disappear. It also has consequences for the big races, said Salte. 80-year-old takes to the start There will be far fewer cyclists to be seen on the dirt roads over the mountain from Østerdalen to Gudbrandsdalen this Saturday. But one of those who will start is Liv Astri Løkken from Raufoss. Even before the race starts, she can be sure of a top position. Liv Astri cycles in the pool for those over 80 and there are no more registered. She says that by signing up for Birken, she gets something to strive for. – I get on the bike year after year because I want to. AGAINST THE STREAM: Fewer people sign up for Birken, but Liv Astri is there year after year. Photo: Line Fosser Vogt / news Participating year after year Liv Astri Løkken believes that fewer people sign up for such events today because they cannot bear to train as much as is required. She herself is riding the main race for the 28th time, and this will be her 80th Birkebeiner event. She says that by signing up for Birken, she gets something to strive for. – I get on the bike year after year because I want to. The 80-year-old believes that cycling keeps her healthy and in shape, so that she can do what she finds fun. – A core participant Steadfast cyclists like Liv Astri Løkken are therefore becoming fewer. Eirik Torbjørnsen in Birken believes the 80-year-old is impressive. – She is a core participant. A real Birkebeiner, he says. Despite the fact that Liv Astri is the oldest woman to ride the Birken, she is not afraid of falling and injuring herself. – You can’t be like that when you’re going to participate in Birken. This year, the 80-year-old’s goal is to have a nice ride, and to reach the finish line in a usable time. She also hopes that no accidents happen.
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Birkebeinerrittet has few entries after the pandemic – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
