News

The OC of Sapporo Skimarathon just came home from the course inspection & announce, that the Japan Worldloppet race is ready to take off.

Snowy but melting weather

This year, we had the average amount of snowfall in the Olympic city of Sapporo, but unfortunately it has been warmer than usual recently, so some snow is already melting. So don’t be surprised if you see some bamboo leaves along the track. But the race secretariat of Sapporo Skimarathon expects some more snow before the race day on Sunday the 4th February: “We will do our utmost to create the perfect conditions on the day of the race.”

Our 50 km loop course was established inside Sapporo, which has a population of 1.97 million. The Sapporo course is well known for its many ups and downs compared to other Worldloppet race courses. In addition, in one very narrow part between the 5 km and 8 km points, there is a part of the course that was used in the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympic Games. After the 8 km point, the course winds through the forest. After the 15 km point, the course becomes wider and you can feel refreshed as you ski through the spreading woods. The toughest part comes around 42 km where you need to ski up a steep slope with a height difference of 100 meters. So the winner has to put lots of energy in this section. After you climb the steep slope, you can see the cityscape if the weather is fine. Finally, you need to ski to the finishing point of Sapporo Dome without a rest.

Japanese favourites in men’s & ladie’s compition

This year more than 2000 participants from all around Japan and overseas are registered for Sapporo Skimarathon on Sunday. In the Men’s 50 km race, there are even 13 skiers with a FIS code. In the main race, the Men’s 50 km, Hiroyuki Miyazawa is the focus of attention. He participated in the World Cup and the World Championships and got satisfactory results this year. He is well prepared to race at a good pace. As well, Hikari Fujinoki will be someone to watch. Fujinoki’s results don’t surpass Miyazawa’s, but Fujinoki is a formidable skier this season. Lastly, we spotlight Yuma Yoshida. Yoshida achieved two wins in a row in the past two races. Yoshida has a big advantage because of his complete knowledge of the course.

In the Women’s 50 km race, there is Yuki Kobayashi, who won three titles at the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games in the 15 km free technique race, the 15 km relay race and the 5 km classical race. Kobayashi is an exceptional skier as is shown by her achievements and experience. But last year Sora Takizawa won the Sapporo International Ski Marathon for the first time in her first appearance. We look forward to seeing if Takizawa can hang on and achieve victory again. This race is one we should keep an eye on.

This year the organizers established also a new event called the “Kids Challenge 100-meter”. We look forward to watching the enthusiastic children race.