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Sabotage Strikes 60th Vätternrundan as 150 Cyclists Suffer Punctures

In a shocking turn of events, the 60th edition of the Vätternrundan, a celebrated 300km cycling race around Sweden's second-largest lake, was marred by sabotage as approximately 150 cyclists encountered punctures due to nails scattered along the route. The incident occurred during the race, which drew nearly 25,000 cyclists from across the globe to experience the thrill of cycling under the midnight sun

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The Vätternrundan, part of the esteemed Swedish Classic, allows riders to embark on a breathtaking journey around Lake Vättern, with groups of 60 cyclists starting every two minutes from 8 PM to 8 AM. This year, the atmosphere was electric as participants gathered to celebrate the longest day of the year, but the excitement was abruptly overshadowed by the malicious act that targeted the cyclists.

Reports began flooding in to local authorities during the night, with cyclists experiencing unexpected punctures on a stretch of road between Vätterviksbadet, Skedet, and Alvastra. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that an unknown group had deliberately strewn nails across the road, creating hazardous conditions for the riders.

Oskar Sundblad, CEO of Vätternrundan, expressed his dismay over the incident. "We had to sweep that section of the course, between Vätterviksbadet and Alvastra. It's a stretch of about 30 kilometers. It's long," he stated. "The safety of our participants is our top priority, and we are working closely with the police to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

Despite the chaos, the spirit of the Vätternrundan remains resilient. Event organizers quickly mobilized to clear the affected area and provide support to the impacted cyclists. Medical teams were dispatched to assist those in need, and the remaining participants were urged to remain vigilant as they continued their journey.

The Vätternrundan community is rallying together in the face of adversity, with many riders expressing their determination to complete the race. "This is a unique event that brings people together from all walks of life. We will not let this act of sabotage define our experience," said one participant, who chose to remain anonymous.

Vätternrundan, the world’s largest annual recreational bike event is in Motala, Sweden, encompassing a 300km route around Lake Vättern. As part of The Swedish Classic, it attracts thousands of cyclists from around the world, celebrating the joy of cycling and the beauty of Sweden's landscapes.

The grueling 315km (196-mile) sportive encircles Lake Vättern, Sweden’s second-largest lake, and draws 25,000 riders from over 70 countries. With an elevation gain exceeding 2,000 meters, the course is anything but a flat cruise, challenging cyclists with rolling ascents, picturesque descents, and a race against time under Sweden’s enchanting midsummer daylight.

Despite its staggering distance, Vätternrundan is a non-competitive sportive, allowing riders to set their own pace, pause at nine well-stocked feed stations, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow participants. While the majority of riders complete the route in approximately 14 hours, elite cyclists push the limits, finishing in a little over seven hours. To cater to a broader audience, organizers offer shorter routes, including 150km, two different 100km circuits, an MTB course, and a kids’ ride.

For more information about the Vätternrundan, visit www.vatternrundan.se.