Held annually at Solvalla Racetrack.
The Elitlopp or Elitloppet
Come to Sweden to experience one of the truly great racing events in the world of trotting.
The Elitlopp is truly the "Super Bowl of Sweden".
Scandanavians live for Standardbred/Harness Racing. Billboards advertising the Elitlopp are everywhere in Stockholm. You can discuss the race with immigration officials when you arrive at the airport, and with cab drivers as you ride to your hotel. Everyone knows about the race, and everyone has a rooting interest in the big race.
"You can't imagine how thrilled I am just to be going over to be part of the Elitlopp," said Ouellette. "If you like harness racing even in the slightest degree, you've got to love the Elitlopp. The crowd and excitement is just great, and the big field sets up for one heck of a race." A quote from Luc Ouellette, a famous harness race driver.
The excitement of racing on Elitlopp weekend is incomparable. The city swells with racing fans from all over Europe, and Solvalla racetrack overflows with race fans. Even moving about in the crowd of over 30,000 can be a challenge.
European countries compete fiercely to win the Elitlopp, with flags a flying from many different nations. A trot race under saddle called a "monte" - is a highlight on Elitlopp day. Despite carrying riders on their backs, the saddled horses are able to trot remarkably fast. In fact, almost as fast as their sulky-driven counterparts. You can appreciate the grace and precision of the trotting gait during these "monte" trots.