The organization behind Vätternrundan
Vätternrundan, with start and finish in Motala, is the world’s largest recreational cycling event and part of the Swedish Classic (“En Svensk Klassiker”). Together with the events Halvvättern, Tjejvättern, Vätternrundan 100 km, MTB-Vättern, and Minivättern, the races attract around 30,000 participants each year.
Vätternrundan is organized by Motala AIF Idrottsallians in collaboration with around 70 clubs and organizations, as well as approximately 4,000 volunteers. Thanks to their commitment, the events are able to give back around SEK 10 million annually to the sports movement.
The majority of these funds go to sports clubs, creating opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be part of the community within club sports. In this way, Vätternrundan contributes not only to movement and health, but also to strong local engagement.
How it all began
The story of Vätternrundan began in the summer of 1964. On Tuesday, August 22, Professor, Motala native, and sports physician Sten-Otto Liljedahl walked into the Bröderna Rydells bicycle shop in Motala. There, he met Ewert Rydell and shared his idea – to cycle all the way around Lake Vättern.
Two days later, they set off. The weather was poor, with both rain and strong winds, but after 22.5 hours of cycling, they returned to Motala – tired, but satisfied. The following summer, on June 23, 1965, another test ride was carried out, this time together with Jan Törnell, Erik Forssén, and Kurt and Keith Kling.
At Christmas in 1965, Sten-Otto Liljedahl sent a Christmas card to Ewert Rydell, encouraging him to turn the idea of an organized ride around Lake Vättern into reality. After many discussions and much effort, the plans came to life, and in the summer of 1966, the first Vätternrundan was held.
