Key points:
• The seventh edition of the Arctic Race of Norway gives pride of place to the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands and their splendid landscapes.
• 19 of the riders selected for the 2019 edition of the northernmost race in the world started the Tour de France in Brussels in July.
• The ascent to Storheia Summit (3.5 km at 11.8%), widely known as the Norwegian Mont Ventoux, will set the stage for the decisive battle for the Arctic throne among riders such as Warren Barguil, Alexey Lutsenko, Ilnur Zakarin and Krists Neilands.

This year’s Arctic Race of Norway has a fantastic course in store for the 120-strong peloton that will roll out of Å on 15 August. Pretenders to the crown include Arkéa–Samsic’s Warren Barguil, who took two stage wins in the 2017 Tour de France and finished tenth in the last Grande Boucle weeks after claiming the French road race championships. However, he will face a star-studded field, with rivals such as Astana’s Alexey Lutsenko, a two-time winner of the Tour of Oman determined to make the sun on his Kazakh champion’s jersey shine in the lands of the midnight sun. Ilnur Zakarin, a last-minute addition to Katusha–Alpecin’s roster who finished third in the 2018 Vuelta, has also got a few cards to play, especially on the brutal slopes of Storheia Summit.
There will also be outsiders eager to cause an upset, such as Rein Taaramäe, a regular fixture in the event who won the race outright in 2015 and took the Estonian time trial championships again this year. Israel Cycling Academy’s Krists Neilands, who claimed two stages and the overall in the last Tour de Hongrie, and Rally UHC Cycling’s rising star Brandon McNulty, winner of the 2019 Giro di Sicilia, will be out on the hunt for a new trophy and the opportunity to show their talent as climbers and punchers. Men who shone in 2018 will be looking to repeat their exploit in Narvik this year, with last season’s runner-up Markus Hoelgaard (Uno-X Norwegian Development Team) and third-placed rider Colin Joyce (Rally UHC Cycling) coming back for more.

Who can put the brakes on the Mathieu van der Poel show?
There will be a multitude of stage hunters eager to find true north and thwart the plans of Corendon–Circus’s Mathieu van der Poel, a two-time cyclo-cross world champion and winner of two stages in the 2018 Arctic Race of Norway. Riders such as Astana’s Magnus Cort Nielsen, Total Direct Énergie’s Lilian Calmejane, Loïc Vliegen the winner of the 2019 Tour de Wallonie and Norwegian champion Amund Grøndahl Jansen could fish something in troubled waters.
The Dutchman, who claimed the 2019 Amstel Gold Race in a thrilling sprint, will have to dig deep in the finishing straights to beat rivals of the calibre of Bryan Coquard, with seven victories to his name this season, Christophe Laporte, winner of the 2018 Tro Bro Leon, Jumbo–Visma’s Danny van Poppel, Israel Cycling Academy’s Sondre Enger and reigning two-time Swedish champion Lucas Erikson.
But what if Raymond Poulidor’s grandson had his sights set higher? Following his victory in last weekend’s leg of the Mountain Bike World Cup, the Dutch rider can no longer be ruled out for the top step of the podium of the 2019 Arctic Race of Norway. As everyone knows, the word „impossible“ is not in Van der Poel’s dictionary.
@ASO

The seventh edition of the Arctic Race of Norway gives pride of place to the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands and their splendid landscapes. For four days, these far-northern lands will become a real cycling archipelago and an exceptional stage for 20 outfits from all over the world.

Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon–Circus) will attempt to mount a successful title defence as the northernmost race in the world hops from one island to the next. It will be a real challenge, with no fewer than eight Tour de France teams scheduled to start the Arctic Race of Norway on 15 August: Astana Pro Team, Team Dimension Data, Team Katusha–Alpecin, Team Jumbo–Visma, Cofidis, Team Arkéa Samsic, Total Direct Énergie and Wanty – Gobert Cycling Team.
Two squads, Riwal–Readynez and Euskadi Basque Country, will be facing their baptism in fire and fighting to make a strong impression in their first appearance in the race. Three Norwegian teams will be looking to excel on home turf: Joker Fuel of Norway, Team Coop and Uno-X Norwegian Development Team. A further six teams will do their best to make life difficult for the favourites or even cause a serious upset: Israel Cycling Academy, Vital Concept – B&B Hotels, Rally UHC Cycling, Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise, Delko Marseille Provence and Wallonia Brussels.
The race promises a spectacular confrontation, culminating in the ascent to Storheia Summit (3.5 km at 11.8 %), widely known as „the Norwegian Mont Ventoux“ —a not-subtle hint of the challenge that awaits the peloton.

Van der Poel heads back to Norway
Mathieu van der Poel’s love stories usually have happy endings. Corendon–Circus’s Dutch rider will attempt to extend his romance with the Arctic Race of Norway —and the feeling is mutual. VDP’s two stage wins in 2018 marked the rise of a champion who has since shone on every terrain. After being crowned cyclo-cross world champion in February, emerging victorious from a thrilling finale in the Amstel Gold Race two months later, and recently claiming a leg of the MTB World Cup, the 24-year-old is heading back to the northernmost race in the world like a Viking ready to go berserk on his opponents. Who will dare stand in his way?
@ASO

Key points:
 The Arctic Race of Norway will be the first professional bicycle race to use only electric cars.
 The lack of charging stations was a challenge, but a solution is now in place.
 This year, at least 45 electric cars will follow the ARN peloton.
 The Arctic Race of Norway is the world’s northernmost professional cycling race.

Help reduce emissions
The Arctic Race of Norway wants to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is the biggest challenge the world faces today, and it is in the Arctic that climate change is the most significant. This makes this initiative in the world’s northernmost professional cycling race even more relevant.
Due to the distance between Northern Norway and the places where the cycling teams usually reside, the Arctic Race of Norway and its Official Partner Hyundai provide cars for all the teams that participate. This initiative has translated an opportunity into reality.
“Hyundai provides all the cars to the Arctic Race of Norway. The car manufacturer strongly believes in the development of electric cars and wanted to use electric cars on the race. We thought it was a good idea. This helps reduce emissions. We also have plenty of clean electric power in Northern Norway”, says Knut-Eirik Dybdal, CEO of the Arctic Race of Norway.
Overcoming infrastructure challenges
But when the ambition of using electric cars came to the table, some challenges also emerged. It is no secret that the infrastructure for electric cars in Northern Norway, in the form of charging stations, lags behind the rest of the country. This is what the Arctic Race of Norway aims at improving.
“We took this as a challenge and contacted the hydropower companies in the region to see if they could help solve this issue. The response was overwhelming. We now have a solution in place, which means that several cars in this year’s race will be powered by clean power produced in Northern Norway”, says Dybdal.
Hydropower companies came up with a solution
The power companies Nordkraft, Lofotkraft, Hålogaland Kraft, Vesterålskraft and Trollfjord joined forces to finance a mobile charging station that will be used during the Arctic Race of Norway. Vesterålskraft CEO Halvard Pettersen is pleased with the cooperation.
“We are far behind with the electrification of the car fleet in Northern Norway, primarily because there are not enough charging stations. Through the initiative of the Arctic Race of Norway, we have found a mobile solution for this year’s race. And we will keep working to find permanent solutions.”
Beneficial for Northern Norway
Though this project, the Arctic Race of Norway directly contributes to the development of Northern Norway. Mobile charging stations to be used during the bicycle race will be available for other sports and cultural events in the region, during the whole year.

“We will use a mobile solution in 2019, but our vision is to develop several permanent charging stations in the region during the coming years. This will make it easier for local people and companies to embrace new technologies”, says Dybdal.
Aiming for zero emissions in the car fleet
Hyundai is also pleased that the Arctic Race of Norway will be the world’s first cycling race that only uses electric cars.
“Our aim is zero emissions in our fleet in Norway. That is why it is a great opportunity to help develop the necessary infrastructure in Northern Norway, thanks to the Arctic Race of Norway”, says Hyundai Motor Norway Marketing Director Christian Stenbo.
The aim of the Arctic Race of Norway is that its entire fleet comprising 120 cars becomes fully electric within three years.
Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France: “Proof, if ever it was needed, that the Arctic Race of Norway is much more than just a cycling race. This project is a significant step forward that goes to show how our sport is focused on the future and throwing its weight behind the transition to a more responsible and eco-friendly world. Like the Tour de France, the Arctic Race of Norway is merely a visitor to the landscapes it goes through and, therefore, it has a duty to protect this grandiose yet delicate natural environment.
@ASO

Key points:
 Edition 7 of the Arctic Race of Norway will be held between August 15-18, 2019.
 The Northernmost cycling race in the world will visit the Islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen before finishing at the base of the Nordland ski station in Narvik.
 The race will see the sprinters to battle it out in the first two days. The general classification will be settled during the weekend with an all-new mountain-top finish at Storheia Summit.

The Arctic Race of Norway is a suspense-filled race where the young stars shine each year. In 2018, Dutch rider Mathieu Van Der Poel (Corendon-Circus) won two stages and confirmed all the hopes that have been placed on him on the road. This year again, the fast and powerful riders will get to show their stuff on two weekend stages. Prior to that, the peloton will visit the Lofoten Islands where the sprinters will battle for victory.
For the second time in seven editions, the Arctic Race of Norway will take place on the Lofoten Islands, known around the world for their atypical scenery where the roads run between the mountains and the sea. The town of “Å” will, for the first time, host a stage of the Arctic Race on Thursday, August 15. This small village with such an original name (the final letter in the Norwegian alphabet!) is also called this because it is here where the last inhabitants on the extreme west side of the island live. Over 182 kilometres, the peloton will pass the finish line twice to complete the two loops. Although four classified climbs will be part of the King of the Mountain classification, this won’t inhibit the sprinters from battling for the win at Leknes.

On day two of the race, the riders will, once again, look to both their left and right to admire the stunning Lofoten Islands scenery. Henningsvær is known for having one of the most spectacular football pitches in the world as well as being the start city for stage two, which will finish in Svolvær, and which was featured in the first edition in 2013. The 168.5km-long stage will run along the seafront and will not pose any major difficulties. It will be the ideal finish for sprinters like local hero Alexander Kristoff!
Following the Lofotens, the Arctic Race will change islands to arrive in Vesterålen on Saturday 17 August. This 176.5km-long stage starting in Sortland was designed for the strongest riders with three climbs that will have to be negotiated before the riders take on an all-new ramp at Storheia Summit, in the town of Melbu (3.5kms at 11.8%). A crazy finish similar to the famous “repechos” of the Vuelta a España that will start just a week later and could be of interest to some riders looking for performance on the final big tour of the season. At the highest altitude, the caravan will have the chance to admire the splendid panoramic view at the observation level that reminds one of a certain Mont Ventoux.

The Arctic Race of Norway will return to the mainland for the final stage that has the look of a rollercoaster between L⌀dingen and Narvik. While the start city will be all-new, all the roads of this 4th stage (166.5kms) have already been raced on in the Arctic Race. During this stage, the “Midnight Sun Jersey” of the leader of the general classification and the “Salmon Jersey” of the best climber could switch riders because there will be six climbs, three before the final 10.5km circuit then three others (Skistua Summit: 2.2kms at 6.6%) located on the same circuit where Dylan Teuns took a memorable win in 2017. The Narvik ski station will conclude this 7th edition at the bottom of the slopes. The town is bidding to become the Norwegian candidate to host the 2027 World Alpine Skiing Championships.

Route of the 2019 Arctic Race of Norway:
 Thursday 15th August, stage 1: Å – Leknes, 182kms
 Friday 16th August, stage 2: Henningsvær – Svolvær, 168.5kms
 Saturday 17th August, stage 3: Sortland – Storheia Summit (Melbu), 176.5kms
 Sunday 18th August, stage 4: L⌀dingen – Narvik, 166.5kms

The Arctic Race of Norway shines the spotlight on the stars of tomorrow
A few hours before the arrival of the professionals in the streets of Narvik, the 17 and 18-year old talents coming from all over Norway and five European countries will have their moment in the sun in the Arctic Heroes of Tomorrow Race. This race for junior riders organised jointly with Equinor, the main sponsor of the Arctic Race of Norway, and the Norwegian Cycling Federation, has become the revelatory event of the future stars of the men’s and women’s pelotons in a country whose passion for cycling is well-known. Winner of the first edition of the Arctic Heroes of Tomorrow Race in 2013 in Harstad, Kristoffer Halvorsen won the World Junior Road Race Championship in 2016, before joining the Sky team this season.

Thor Hushovd, World Champion and race ambassador: “This 7th edition of the Arctic Race of Norway will again be spectacular and undecided just until the last day in Narvik. The first two stages will be an open-air show. In 2013 when I won stage 2 at Svolvær, I rode the most beautiful stage of my career on that day. The finishes at Storheia Summit, the «Mont Ventoux» of the Vesterålen Islands and at Narvik will certainly be won by the strongest riders.”
The Arctic Race of Norway is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnerships for the next three years with SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge as Official Partner and Telenor as Official Fan.
Initiated in 2013, the collaboration with SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge contributes to the development of cycling practice by young children. Since 2013, more than 11 000 children have participated in the SNN Mini Arctic Race all across Northern Norway.
Year after year, Telenor invests in the extension of the 4G network all over Northern Norway and therefore contributes to ensuring optimal conditions for TV production and for the spectators’ experience all along the route.

All the informations about Arctic Race of Norway on arctic-race.com/en/

International press contact
Fabrice Tiano
ftiano@aso.fr
+33 633 862 864
Norwegian press contact
Roger Solheim
rs@arctic-race.no
+47 992 26 638

Am Donnerstag startet die sechste Austragung des Arctic Race of Norway. Die viertägige Rundfahrt macht ihrem Status als weltweit nördlichstes Rennen auch 2018 wieder alle Ehre und findet dieses Mal komplett im größten Verwaltungsbezirk Norwegens, der Finnmark, statt. Der Kurs führt in diesem Jahr von der Hauptstadt der Finnmark, Vadsø, in die größte Stadt der Finnmark, Alta. Die vier Etappen sind wie gemacht für die Puncheure im Feld. Wellige Profile und klassikerartige Anstiege versprechen ein offenes Rennen mit vielen Attacken.

Während das Artic Race of Norway voraussichtlich zum ersten Mal ohne deutsche Beteiligung stattfindet, richten sich im Kampf um die Gesamtwertung die Augen auf die WorldTour-Teams BMC und Astana. BMC möchte den Titelgewinn vom letzten Jahr wiederholen und setzt dafür auf Nicolas Roche und Damiano Caruso, für den das Rennen zum Formtest nach einer sehr guten Tour de France wird. Die Ambitionen von Astana werden von Omar Fraile, Solosieger der 14. Etappe der Tour de France nach Mende, und dem estnischen Meister Tanel Kangert getragen.
Warren Barguil (Fortuneo-Samsic) und Guillaume Martin (Wanty-Group Gobert) gehören genauso zum Favoritenkreis des weltweit nördlichsten Rennens, wie Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon-Circus), der am Sonntag den Vize-Europameistertitel zu seinen beeindruckenden Palmarès hinzufügen konnte. Auf diesem Terrain fühlt sich auch Connor Swift wohl, der das prestigeträchtige Meistertrikot Großbritanniens trägt und als Stagiare bei Dimension Data startet. Auch der letztjährige Zweitplazierte des Arctic Race of Norway, August Jensen (Israel Cycling Academy), wird besonders motiviert sein, in diesem Jahr das Rennen auf der obersten Stufe des Podiums zu beenden. Der 26-jährige ist der einzige Radprofi aus dem Norden Norwegens.
In die Sprintentscheidungen werden Christophe Laporte (Cofidis), Etappenzweiter in Pau, und Andrea Pasqualon (Wanty-Groupe Gobert), der bei den Sprints der diesjährigen Tour de France konstant in die Top10 fuhr, genauso eingreifen, wie der frühere norwegische U23-Meister Sondre Holst Enger (Israel Cycling Academy).
Deutsches Pressebüro A.S.O.
Sandra Schmitz
Mobil: +49 160 973 89898
Email: sandra@flessnerschmitz.com
Presse A.S.O.
Clara Brunel
Mobil: +33 (6) 07 02 42 17
Email: cbrunel@aso.fr