Skiing
This is how to win Red Bull Homerun
The two-time Homerun winner Sixten Svensson spills the beans on how to master the competition and claim the title as Jämtland's fastest.
Sixten Svensson is a two-time Homerun winner and the current champion-to-beat. He took his first title back in 2019 when he baffled the audience with his legs of steel. Luring at the back of the pack for the majority of the race, he took advantage of unburnt strength and straight-lined his way into first place. And then, after a three-year break, Homerun returned in 2022 and so did Sixten Svensson. Setting a new Homerun course record of four minutes and forty-six seconds, he laid claim to the prestigious title for the second time in a row.
So, if anyone sits on some Homerun secrets, it's Sixten. Keep reading to find out all his best tips.
Can you beat the 2x Champion?
© Emrik Jansson/Red Bull Content Pool
Everything you need to know about Red Bull Homerun
01
Pro-tip #1: Memorise ski placement
hi
© Red Bull Content Pool
Remembering where you place your skis is more important than where you actually place your skis. Does that make sense?
Crystal clear: memory is paramount. Wherever you might place them, make sure to know exactly where you're going, knowing where to run is way more important than placing your skis in a good spot only to forget where you left them.
Some prefer a shorter running distance to utilize skating past the people running to the front, while others opt for the opposite. It depends on whether you see yourself as a fast sprinter or a fast skater. If skis are placed in the back, getting there before the crowd is crucial to getting a clear field to skate through. If you put skis in the front, it doesn't matter when you get there, and you will have clear skies in front of you. However, you might be struggling to strap in if skaters fly by on both sides.
More into style than speed? These tips might be good for you!
02
Pro-tip #2: Never stop tucking
TUCK!
© Red Bull Content Pool
I can't stress this enough. Whatever you're feeling, however much pain you're in, NEVER stop tucking!
The rule is simple: tuck and hold.
A common misconception is that sitting down and resting the glutes on your bindings will reduce air resistance. While this is true, you eliminate your ability to hold your skis planted and stop yourself from catching edges, which is speed enemy nr 1. Crouching in speed position and keeping your edges in check is the way to go.
Crouching is vital when riding the flat sections. While the agony and lactic acid will have your brain crying for rest, your heart must resist and compel you to tuck it out.
Pain is temporary; glory is forever.
03
Pro-tip #3: Slipstream
Keep calm and stay behind - you will be rewarded for it
© Red Bull Content Pool
Every time I've been in pole position during the majority of the race, I've lost. The one time I slipstreamed, I won.
If you can keep a cool mindset, slipstreaming is an effective way of conserving energy while tucking. As racers in front will split the air giving you free leeway to the advantageous air pocket behind them - just like birds flying in formations.
Sixten, two-time winner of Homerun.
© Emrik Jansson / Red Bull Content Pool
Are you keen on beating Sixten in this year's edition? Then start training your tucking, slipstreaming, and memory. See you on the battlefield... or, well, the top of Åreskutan!
