MARTIN SODERSTROM

Marcialonga here I come!

Swedish mountain bike legend Martin Söderström has shaped an entire generation of slopestyle riders in his 14-year career. With his technique and style, he has left his mark on the mountain bike scene - and now he is following a different track, the cross-country track. The 70-kilometer Marcialonga is his big goal for 2025.

As a freestyle mountain biker, how did you come to take part in cross-country races?

Haha, it's weird isn't it! Very different sports, but I love the process of setting a goal for myself & work towards it! I also live in Falun, Sweden which is a bit of a cross-country skiing Mekka. The reason I went to Marcialonga back in 2022 was that Fischer invited me and I'm forever grateful for that experience.

How does freestyle mountain biking and cross-country skiing fit together?

The sports are as far away from each other as they could be. Freestyle mountain biking is very hectic and aggressive while cross-country skiing is very smooth and peaceful. They are both amazing, but in completely different ways!

Which long distance races did you take part of so far an what is your favorite one?

I've done Vasaloppet five times and Marcialonga one time before. They are very different from each other. Vasaloppet is deep in the woods of Sweden and Marcialonga is going through villages etc. You can't really compare them. I can highly recommend them both!

How was your experience at Marcialonga in 2022?

I have very good memories from my race back in 2022. That's why I'm coming back to do it again! I'm a very competitive person and I finished around 150th spot in 202. I really want to beat that this time. It's going to be very hard though!

Which part of Marcialonga did you like the most?

I love the variation of the course. It starts with some uphill to get warmed up, then you get a well-deserved rest with some fun downhills, then a flat section where you can prepare for a final push in the very challenging last climb.

What advice would you give to novices at Marcialonga?

It's important to fill up with energy during the race. I lost a lot of time in the last 5km because I ran out of energy. But don't have too much respect for the last climb, the cheering from the crowd will carry you up to the finish line!

What is your expectation for this year’s Marcialonga?

My expectations are high! My Marcialonga race in 2022 had sunshine, minus one degrees and perfect tracks. So Marcialonga 2024 has a lot to live up to haha.

Will you go with grip wax, or will you go for double poling?

My first years of ski races back in 2018-2019, I went with grip wax. Now I have practiced my double poling a lot more and feel that is going to be faster for me. Double poling it is! I might regret that in the last climb haha.

How are you going to prepare for Marcialonga this year? 

I will try to be on my skis as much as possible. I will try to do a few training sessions that are over three hours. I have signed up for two races here in Sweden before Marcialonga to get the feel for the race pace.

How would you like to see people cheering for you?

People usually recognize me and cheer for me at bike events. I would be very humbled and happy if someone screams "Go Martin" at a ski race haha.

Do you have a special personal motto?

Life is like riding a bike, it's fun!

With this in mind: have fun!