Arctic Race of Norway 2021: see you from August 5 to 8
November 6 th 2020 - 12:49
In 2021, the Arctic Race of Norway will take place from the 5th to the 8th of August. Knut-Eirik Dybdal, CEO of the race, is satisfied with the placement in the calendar.
- The dates we have received from the International Cycling Union, UCI, are close to the Tour de France and the Olympics. This means it is likely we will see many world class cyclists in northern Norway next year, says Dybdal.
A national event
Dybdal is eager to start working on the next edition of the Arctic Race of Norway.
- The Arctic Race of Norway will contribute to the development of Northern Norway and promote Norway. Without a local and national commitment, we would never have achieved this. Even in a difficult time for people and business with covid-19 hanging over us, it feels great to have something to look forward to and work towards. We are now looking forward to starting the job and collaboration with all our partners and host municipalities for next year's race, says Dybdal.
A renowned international cycling race
The Arctic Race of Norway is classified as a Pro Series (second highest level) by the UCI, and during the eight years that have passed since the first edition in 2013, it has achieved international recognition. Dybdal believes there are several reasons for this.
- The cooperation with ASO, which also organizes the Tour de France, ensures us the best of event expertise and access to broadcasters who distribute TV images to 190 countries. In addition, many of the riders say that nature and people in northern Norway are really unique, says Dybdal.
Good ambassadors
Dybdal also highlights the work that the ambassadors, the former World Champions Thor Hushovd and Gunn Rita Dahle Flesjå, are doing for the race.
- Our fantastic ambassadors contribute massively to the success of the Arctic Race of Norway. They enjoy great recognition nationally and internationally for their cycling merits, and for their great personalities, says Dybdal.
Thor Hushovd can confirm that the world's northernmost professional cycling race is popular with recognized cyclists around the world, and mentions an example from when he and Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå were touring to check out what to do along the route of the next edition of the race.
- When we were in Gratangen, I posted a picture of Snolkehytta on Instagram. A few minutes later I received a message from Steven Kruijswijk who came in third place in the Tour de France in 2019. He asked if he could stay there during the next Arctic Race of Norway, says Hushovd with a smile on his face.
Postponement due to the pandemic
The Arctic Race of Norway’s organizers decided to postpone this year's race due to the covid-19 pandemic. This means that the race next year will be arranged with the same four stages that were planned for 2020. The first stage starts and ends in Tromsø on the 5th of August. In the second stage, the Arctic Race of Norway will cross a national border for the first time. The stage starts in Nordkjosbotn and ends in Kilpisjaervi in Finland. The third stage starts in Finnsnes, goes around Senja and ends in Målselv Mountain Village. The fourth and final stage starts in Gratangen and ends in Harstad.