This year we will have quite the start line at the Grand Arctic Resort in Överkalix!!! It will not just be us kicking off our 20, 50, 185 and 500 km races. There will also be other events, including a “Kids Lapland Arctic Ultra”! We are so looking forward to this.
Ideally, as an event organiser you get to work with sponsors that make products you like. I have always been a big fan of Montane, I have known and used Kahtoola products for more than 15 years, I love the way Firepot expedition meals taste and I think SOTO make incredible stoves. Now I am super happy that we can add another brand to the list of our sponsors that is absolutely amazing:
Wrightsock is a US company that makes double layer socks. We get supported by their German distributor.
Over the years, I have used all of their socks. From thin to thick, low-cut and crew lengths. No other socks I have ever used, match their performance when it comes to the perfect climate for my feet.
They use a recycled Polyester inner layer that wicks moisture off the skin. Making sure your feet stay dry. Staying dry means staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and ensuring your feet are more comfortable. Interaction between the inner and outer sock layers absorbs friction that is normally transferred to the skin. If you have not tried a Wrightsock, I really recommend you give them a chance. You will love it!
So, a big welcome to Wrightsock as our official partner for socks and supporting sponsor!
It takes a lot of work to prepare a good winter trail. As soon as the first snow hits the ground you need to go out and create a base. This winter cold temperatures and snow have arrived early in Swedish Lapland. Therefore, trail grooming already started some weeks ago. A big part of the trail breaking is done by the many regional snowmobile clubs in the Överkalix and Gällivare municipalities. Whenever and whereever possible, Robin Landin, Daniel Cedering, Henrik Drugge and Niclas Bentzer, who are part of the MLAU family and have supported us much from day 1, join in the effort. So, a big THANK YOU to you and all the snowmobile clubs for being out there countless hours to make sure we and all other outdoor fans have a great trail – for snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, fatbiking and dog mushing.
For Ida and Daniel Cedering and their kids Helga and Hilding, the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra has been a family affair pretty much from day 1. Daniel has been and still is very involved in anything that has to do with the trails we use. He has been part of our race crew for the first two editions and will be back in our team in 2024, too. He took along Hilding when a bridge needed to be constructed to improve the trail. And they all have been cheering on athletes from their home, which is right next to the trail.
So, it’s only natural that, with the inauguration of our 20 km race distance, Ida, Helga and Hilding did not hesitate to sign up. We are super excited to have them with us and hope they inspire more families to give the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra 20 km race a go!
This message is for all athletes from Sweden who are interested in signing up for our new 20 and 50 km distance races!
In order to make it easy for Swedish citizens to sign up and pay online in SEK we are cooperating with AnmälMigNu! This service has got some great features, like multiple entries for companies or clubs. To make use of this service, please go to the AnmälMigNu! website:
Please note that, after signing up on AnmälMigNu!, we will contact you via email as we then still have some extra forms that need signing.
We have extended the entry deadline for the 20 and 50 km race, as we realise that (local) Swedish athletes are used to being able to sign up very late. However, you do help us a lot if you do not wait until the last minute 😉.
A special thank you to Johan from AnmälMigNu! and also Niclas Bentzer for their help with setting this up. We could not have done it without you!
Florian Reiterberger from Germany won both the MYAU 300 mile and the MLAU 500 km race on his bright green MAXX fatbike. Since 2009 he has done many long distance bike races – also the warmer kind. It seems, the harder it gets, the better Florian performs. He definitely likes to be challenged. His Bavarian humor and capability to go for days without stopping, are legendary. Florian also pushes his bike faster than some athletes can hike. Not sure how he does that.
In January this year he started his Radlgarage Eggstätt, which is a bike shop. Florian’s specialty is, helping his customers, with all his experience, to find the perfect bike and setup for their next challenge. He also happily helps anyone interested with advise on winter fatbiking. If you want to ask him any questions, please just email him at florian-reiterberger@gmx.de.
In 2024 Florian will return to Swedish Lapland, doing the MLAU 500 km race for a second time. So, we thought, we should ask him some questions:
MLAU: You have already been in many races, also MTB and Bikepacking. What fascninates you about winter ultras with a fatbike?
Florian: Winter races are special. The cold, the isolation, the crunching noise of the tires in the snow and the wilderness. So, there are many reasons why I like these kinds of challenges. To understand it, you just have to do it, be it in the Yukon or Swedish Lapland. Afterwards, you will either like it or not. I really love the tranquility and loneliness of being out there in the cold.
MLAU: You already won the MYAU (300 miles) and also the MLAU (500 km). What would you say is the difference between the two?
Florian: The MYAU is very difficult. The temperatures and the remoteness are extreme. In the Yukon you often are far away from any signs of civilization. In Sweden you have more contact with the world you are used to. In other words, you see more houses or lights in the distance. But I loved both races. One thing I consider amazing about the MLAU, is the family like atmosphere that Robin and his parents have created for us at the headquarter in Jockfall.
MLAU: What are typical mistakes that athletes make when they start at a winter fatbike race for the first time?
Florian: Being too motivated or too fearful. In a race I did in Finland, I saw a lot of highly motivated fatbikers at the start, speeding of into the distance. But quickly they had to pay for the consequences. Wet clothes, lack of energy quickly took their toll. However, I have also seen insecure bikers who suffered from lack of confidence, continuously doubting if they were trained and prepared well enough.
MLAU: From your point of view, what makes up the perfect preparation?
Florian: That’s difficult to answer. I would say there is no such thing as THE perfect preparation. Every athlete is different – be it mentally or physically. Facing a challenge like this, everyone needs to carefully analyze themselves and decide what they need to work on. This should help finding the right focus areas and the best way forward. My personal motto since an expedition I did in India is “Looking forward to the great things and preparing for the worst …”
MLAU: What are you top #3 pieces of kit?
Florian: Neoprene overshoes, a thermometer that goes down to – 50 degrees Celsius and a hub dynamo with handlebar light and USB charger – for me as a biker the best source for light and energy.
MLAU: You will start at the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra again this winter. Can you already say what bike you will use?
Florian: Very likely it will be my MAXX Jagamoasta Yukon Arctic Ultra edition again. However, MAXX are not making this type of bike anymore. So, I am contemplating if I should come up with something new. If I do, it my new bike may premiere in Sweden.
MLAU: What did you really enjoy in your first Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra and where do you think we have room for improvement?
Florian: After my great time in the Yukon, my expectations for Sweden were very high. Like the other Yukon veterans, I expected a perfect race. And I think it’s fair to say that even though in 2022 we were all still struggling with the effects of the Pandemic, it was really a superb experience. All was well organized and when there was a problem, it was solved immediately. The only thing that was a bit of a setback, the mild temperatures. It was too warm for my liking. But nobody can be blamed for the weather. I particularly enjoyed my time in Jockfall, with the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. What can you still improve? I can’t think of anything major. Getting to Jockfall from Lulea airport requires some logistics but in the end it’s well worth it.
MLAU: Would you recommend the MLAU to rookies?
Florian: Most certainly. The entire crew is very experienced and safety standards are high. It’s a less extreme than the Yukon or Alaska but you still get the wilderness feeling with beautiful winter landscapes, northern lights and you can learn some important lessons before going more remote.
It’s getting colder and we are all looking forward to our upcoming winter training, adventures and of course the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra. Time to check our equipment and see what’s new and exciting on the market. If you check out Montane’s website you will see some great new kit! It’s too much to go through here but in their menu you can click on “New Season” in both the Women’s and Men’s section and get the perfect overview. Some of the new Montane clothing that will be perfect for the MYAU we want to feature here:
Montane Men’s Dart XT Thermal Zip Neck Long Sleeved Top
A good layering system starts with the perfect base layer. The Montane Men’s Dart XT Zip Neck Base Layer is the ultimate expedition base layer. Recycled Apex Thermo Eco fabric with a brushed back offers long-term comfort and high wicking ability – moving any moisture that’s generated away from the body. 4-way stretch also allows for unrestricted dynamic movement, without compromising thermal efficiency. Polygiene treatment also provides essential odour control – perfect for multi day use during high output activities.
Features:
Also available as a women’s version.
Montane Men’s Respond XT Hooded Insulated Jacket
The Respond XT Hooded Insulated Jacket is the new and updated version of Montane’s Flux Jacket. It has been especially engineered for the cold and wet. Lightweight windproof and water-resistant protection is provided by the insulated jackets use of PERTEX® Quantum Eco fabric. Whilst essential warmth and further weather resistance comes from recycled PrimaLoft® Silver insulation. A perfect cut and feature set mean you are able to perform in a range of challenging conditions.
Features:
Montane Men’s Phase XT Waterproof Jacket
The Men’s Phase XT Waterproof Jacket is a tough, durable shell that will deliver essential protection and enhanced movement when you need it most. Additional features include a helmet compatible hood, making this waterproof jacket well equipped for those seeking extra protection on the move.
Features:
Also available as a women’s version.
We could go on and on as Montane has got a wide range of fleeces, many more rain jackets and insulated jackets (down and synthetic), a great variety of pants and perfect gloves and hats. If you go on training runs when the temperatures drop, Montane also offers warm tights, tops and of course their legendary running packs. For more Montane kit we recommend specifically for the MYAU, please check out our gear list. And for all Montane kit and some really inspiring content, please go to www.montane.com.
Most sport events would be impossible without volunteers. This also is the case with the Montane Lapland and Yukon Arctic Ultra. For 20 years volunteers have helped make both our races an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Ted Logart from Swedish Lapland spent some time interviewing volunteers at the MLAU 2023 and he ended up making a great short film featuring these interviews and elements of the race.
So, I want to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers who have ever helped out in the Yukon or Norbotten. It has been a great pleasure and I am already looking forward to working with you during our 2024 ultras.
Also, a very big thank you to Diane Patrick, who retired from volunteering now, but who was crucial in finding and working with our volunteer teams during the two past decades!
And of course thank you Ted and Swedish Lapland for putting together this film!
The feature documentary about Irishman Kevin Leahy, who finished both the MYAU and MLAU in one winter, is available on Amazon Prime now. It takes us back to the chaos of Covid-19 and what it meant to many athletes who were training and preparing, not really knowing what the next months would bring. The film also shows Kevin’s struggle with injury in the midst of it all and how he dealt with it, in the end achieving the goal he was going for.
Firepot is a UK company that offers super high quality dehydrated expedition meals. They will partner with MLAU and offer a 15% discount to all MLAU athletes and they also provide our crew with meals in remote locations on the trail.
They use a different approach to the more common freeze-dried options for outdoor eating. Typically, freeze-dried meals are made using ingredients that have been dried separately, so the first time the flavours meet is when you add water to the pouch. And you can taste the difference. They cook each meal by hand, just as you would at home. Firepot ingredients are simple, honest and fresh, for explorers, adventurers and athletes who care as much about the nature they put into their body as the wild places they venture.
So, needless to say that we are super excited to have Firepot on board!
