7–10. August next year, the 12th edition of the stage race Arctic Race of Norway will be held in Northern Norway. It became clear when the organiser, in their home town of Harstad, presented next year’s course during a large-scale presentation. Already on the opening stage, the ride visits their hometown, when the riders are sent out on two laps around Storjorda, Harstad and Nupen – It all ends with a shorter and intense lap over Kvæfjordeidet, with a return trip around Storjorda. This will also be the first time Kvæfjord hosts the start of a stage in the race. It will also be the third time a stage ends in Skolegata in Harstad. Riding ambassador and former world champion Thor Hushovd won in 2013, while Alexander Kristoff won in 2015. WIN: Alexander Kristoff has fond memories of Skolegata in Harstad, where this year’s opening stage will be decided. Will he take a repeat in 2025? Photo: AFP PHOTO / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND The following day, another stage awaits the best sprinters in the field, when Lavangen and Sørreisa municipality host the start and finish of the second stage respectively. This is the first time the two municipalities are hosting the race. Despite two 1st category climbs early in the stage, everything is in place for a mass sprint when the riders arrive at Sørreisa. Twice before the finish line in Sørreisa, a gravel section with a climb awaits, which can lead to an exciting end to the stage. The third and penultimate stage awaits the so-called “Queen’s stage” of the stage race, when the riders will cycle from Husøy on Senja. It all ends, for the second time in the history of the stage race, with the 3.7 kilometer climb up towards Målselv Fjellandsby, with a 7.8 per cent ascent. 2015: People on Senja lined up along the slopes when the finish line of a stage in the Arctic Race of Norway was last in Målselv Fjellandsby. At that time, Belgian Ben Hermans won the stage. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt / NTB On the final stage at Tromsøya, the fastest sprinters will once again have great challenges in keeping up all the way. Despite no high peaks en route on the 141 kilometer long stage, no less than eight climbing points and 2,700 meters of altitude await the riders. – By collecting the last and decisive stage with several rounds within a limited area in Northern Norway’s largest city, we give the public a unique opportunity to follow the cycle race along the route. I am looking forward to seeing how it is received, says general manager of Arctic Race of Norway, Knut-Eirik Dybdal. The stages: Graphics: Arctic Race of Norway The 1st stage starts in Borkenes in Kvæfjord municipality, and finishes in the center of Harstad. The race’s opening stage is 182 kilometers long, and consists of four 2nd category climbs and three sprints. The 2nd stage starts in Tennevoll in Lavangen municipality, and finishes in Sørreisa. The stage contains two 1st category climbs, one 2nd category climb and three sprints. A total of 153 kilometers. The 3rd stage starts on Husøya in Senja municipality, and ends with a 1st category climb up to Målselv mountain village. The stage contains two 1st category climbs (including the finish), two 2nd category climbs and three sprints. A total of 182 kilometers. The 4th stage has a start and finish in the center of Tromsø, where the riders cycle five laps on Tromsøya. The final stage of 141 kilometers contains no less than eight 2nd category climbs and three sprints. Published 30.10.2024, at 11.30 am
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