A successful first edition... can't wait for the next one !
January 2 nd 2014 - 15:34
General enthusiasm of spectators, local authorities and partners…
While the hosting stages have been described by the riders as “the most beautiful ridden in their life”, spectators in Harstad will never forget the thrilling finale with the overall win delivered by Hushovd through the final uphill sprint. “I could not let the home fans down”, stated race ambassador Hushovd afterwards and thanked the 150.000 spectators in Bodø, Lofoten, Vesterålen and Harstad who all contributed in creating a spectacular event in Northern Norway. The finishing town of the first Arctic Race of Norway also hosted the “Arctic Heroes of Tomorrow Race” with the support of main partner Statoil and the Norwegian Cycling Federation. 17 and 18 year old cyclists from the seven regions of Norway competed before the professionals. In addition, Green Jersey partner SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge organized for each stage the “Mini Arctic Race”, which gathered more than 2.000 6 to 14 year old children riding their bike. After ten years of inspiring his potential successors via TV2 Norway, Hushovd was finally able to impress the young generation on site.
An unprecedented media coverage for a first year event
“The success of the Arctic Race of Norway went beyond my expectations”, concluded the icon of Norwegian cycling even before the impact of the event was evidenced by the numbers: 150.000 spectators alongside roads in an area of 125.000 inhabitants only, including 45.000 on the last day in Harstad (population: 25.000), 74 hours of dedicated TV programs broadcasted in 110 countries, 11.5 million viewers on Eurosport, 2 and half hours of daily live coverage on TV2 Norway with an average market share of 28.3%, 5.800 articles and news published in traditional media for a potential reach of 271 million of viewers and readers. On Facebook, the first Arctic Race of Norway was ranked the eighth biggest bike race worldwide.
Let's meet again in 2014: save the date !
“Inspiring”, “Innovative”, “Exciting”, “Our Tour de France”: those have been the key words for this year's event. A survey indicated that 95% of the spectators considered the ARN as an event for the entire family. 99.9% of the people had a positive overall impression of the ARN and 97% of them wish to attend the event again in 2014. The second edition will be contested from 14 to 17 of August. The Grand Start and the finish cities of the first and last stage will be announced late January.