After the Games, the Arctic Race
Only one day after the Olympic Games men's road race, the 11th edition of the Arctic Race of Norway begins. The Scandinavian race, which has been part of the UCI ProSeries since the creation of the second division of world cycling in 2020, features a four-stage route with plenty of summit finishes and challenges near the finish line.
Route
The first stage presents the climb to Ljosenhammeren (8.1 km at 3.6%) as the main obstacle for pure sprinters. The climb is topped 19 kilometers from the finish, but even so, the most likely outcome is a sprint, although perhaps a slightly reduced one. On the second day, a 6 km gravel section near the end of the route promises excitement, while the general classification will likely be decided at the summit finish in Jakobsbakken (6.4 km at 5.9%) on the third day. To end the race, the final stage offers an ideal finish for puncheurs in Bodo (1.5 km at 7%).
Favorites
With only three days left before the start of the race, many teams have yet to announce their lineups. For now, Alexander Kristoff (600), Magnus Cort (800), Andreas Leknessund (600), Mathieu Burgaudeau (400), Samuele Battistella (400), Tobias Lund Andresen (400), Cristian Scaroni (400), Pierre Latour (400), Clément Champoussin (400), Kevin Vermaeke (200), Domenico Pozzovivo (200), Filippo Fiorelli (400), Davide De Pretto (200), Jonas Gregaard (200), and Mauro Schmid (400) are some of the most prominent riders on the provisional start list.
Photo: © Arctic Race of Norway