Race report by 58&fam
Back to Cykelvasan for another year — this time with a new 93 km course, a record-sized women’s field and two very different races for 58&fam.
For Nathalie, this race had been on her mind since crossing the finish line last year. After suffering a severe asthma attack on the opening climb in 2025, that first climb still came with a little fear. But after some of her best training months yet, she came into this year’s race stronger and more confident.
The plan was simple: control the power, trust the process and save the legs for later. It wasn’t easy watching riders go past, but it paid off. Nathalie reached the top of the opening climb in 3rd and joined the chase behind Amanda Bohlin, who was riding solo at the front.
Then, just as things were starting to get interesting… her rear derailleur stopped working..
After trying several batteries, it became clear that the derailleur itself had broken. She tried to continue single-speed, but quickly realised it was basically 150 rpm or zero rpm 😂 Eventually, she had no choice but to abandon the race.
For Maja, the goal was to return and see what she could do after racing relatively little this year. The opening climb was a big personal test after a strong performance there last year.
Starting behind the first box and a crash immediately after the start made the opening kilometres far from ideal. But Maja fought her way forward, passed 20–30 riders on the first climb and began closing in on the front groups.
For the next 1.5 hours, the chase continued and the group eventually caught the third group. But the fast corners and loose gravel made for a difficult ride, and by the time they reached the Risbergsbackarna, the legs had had enough.
Maja let the group go and switched the goal from chasing to simply riding as fast as possible all the way to Mora. The final 53 km became a solo effort to the finish.
Two very different races. One broken derailleur. One long solo ride. Neither went exactly according to plan, but both gave us plenty to take with us.
With more than 100 women lining up in the competition class, Cykelvasan continues to grow into an increasingly competitive and exciting race.
We’ll be back!
Maja, P26/91
Nathalie, DNF
Photo: Kevin Hempäla
