Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for Tour of Norway 2025

We are entering the final week of the Giro d’Italia, which will undoubtedly capture the attention of cycling fans worldwide. However, the last four stages of the Italian Grand Tour will coincide on the calendar with two UCI ProSeries events: the Tour of Norway and the Boucles de la Mayenne – Crédit Mutuel. Being second-tier races, both risk being overshadowed by the immense media spotlight that accompanies the Giro, but they are undoubtedly beautiful events where continental teams and lesser-known riders will look to take the spotlight.

 
Tour of Norway: route and favorites

For the third consecutive year, the Tour of Norway consists of four stages, two of which are flat and expected to end in sprints (stages 1 and 4), while the other two feature rolling terrain with uphill finishes that should be decisive for the general classification (stages 2 and 3).

Axel Laurance (400), Maxim Van Gils (600), Lorenzo Rota (200), Attila Valter (200), Tibor Del Grosso (200), Adne Holter (200), Oscar Rodríguez (200), Per Strand Hagenes (200), and Alessandro Covi (200) are some of the favorites for the overall.

Matthew Brennan (200), Alexander Kristoff (600), Juan Sebastián Molano (600), Axel Zingle (600), Tobias Lund Andresen (600), and Arne Marit (400) are some of the fastest sprinters expected to shine in the flat finishes.

 
Boucles de la Mayenne - Crédit Mutuel: route and favorites

The French race begins with a 5.5 km time trial prologue that will establish the first leader. It continues with three stages featuring final circuits without major climbs. The general classification will likely be decided in the third stage, which includes nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain.

With only three days left until the race, the start list is still in its early stages, making it impossible to name favorites.

 
Photo: © Boucles de la Mayenne - Crédit Mutuel