Info with one day to go
August 12 th 2026 - 18:39 [GMT + 2]
- The peloton of the 2026 Arctic Race of Norway has arrived in Northern Norway, where the 13 th edition of the world’s northernmost race will start tomorrow. Race director Yannick Talabardon describes “a very balanced field that will make the race very interesting”.
- “Winning is the goal,” says Ethan Vernon ahead of the opening stage. “We have made a good plan,” replies Casper Van Uden. The sprinters in the peloton have highlighted the first two days, before the race turns to the climbers-puncheurs.
- The general classification favourites have begun acclimatising to the cool Norwegian temperatures before speaking to the media. “I’m motivated to fight for the general classification,” announces Guillermo Thomas Silva. He will face a host of rivals, some of whom will be racing on home soil. “I’m ready to give my best,” says Martin Tjotta, one of the 30 home riders revealed by the list of 108 starters.
“IT CAN GO IN ALL DIRECTIONS AND MAKE THE RACE INTERESTING”
Four days, two distinct rhythms and a route where everyone will find something to suit them: that is how the 2026 Arctic Race of Norway, covering almost 700 kilometres, can be summed up. “It is true that the race is split in two, with two stages aimed at the sprinters, followed by two more suited to the climbers-puncheurs,” explains Yannick Talabardon, race director of this 13 th edition. He sees it as one of the most unpredictable since it was created. “The level is very balanced, with several favourites but no one who particularly stands out from the rest. That can make the race really beautiful.”
“Which team is going to control the race? A few teams have good sprinters and will want to control things over the first two days, but after that it can really go in all directions and make the race very interesting,” he continues. “There are a lot of riders who have finished races in the top 10 of the general classification. There will be a new winner, and it is almost certain that we will discover a new rider whom we do not necessarily know very well yet. There are some very good young riders, and I personally love surprises like that!”
THE SPRINTERS TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE
The first two finishes, in Myre and Andenes, which both make their debut on the Arctic Race of Norway route, are expected to favour the speed specialists. “There are a few small climbs, but nothing difficult. The only thing that could disrupt a sprint finish is the wind, perhaps on Stage 2. But we really have two great finishes for the sprinters,” comments Yannick Talabardon.
Ethan Vernon has marked them down as opportunities to take his first win in Norway, which would make it the ninth country in which he has won as a professional. “To win during these first two opportunities is the goal, and then we have ambitions for the general classification with Alessandro Pinarello,” says the British from NSN. “I haven’t sprinted since my crash at the Giro d’Italia [at the end of May]. I’m looking forward to being back and seeing how the legs are. I’m flexible, I like both fast and technical sprints, so these are two good opportunities.”
Among those standing in his way will be Casper Van Uden, who is also chasing the northernmost victory of his career. “I like the idea! I’m looking forward to it. It’s my first time in Norway and I hope I can put everything together,” smiles the Dutchman from Picnic PostNL. “We have two good opening stages. The second one may be better because [the finish] is narrower. We have a good plan for the two days, I have confidence in it and in the team. In any case, it looks beautiful. I’m really looking forward to it and I enjoyed riding in the cold today.”
TWO SUMMITS TO WRITE A NEW CHAPTER IN NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY
The favourites will then battle for the Midnight sun jersey on two uphill finishes. The first, at Storheia, will bring back memories for those who were there in 2019. “These 3.5 kilometres at 11.8% are really impressive. It is very consistent and really hard all the way to the top,” describes Yannick Talabardon. “We call it the Norwegian Mont Ventoux because it looks similar: it is shorter, but the route has the same shape, with two kilometres through the woods followed by the final straight section up to the antenna.” The following day, the foot of the slopes that will host the 2029 Alpine World Ski Championships will provide the setting for the final showdown. “It is the fourth finish in Narvik, but this particular location is new. It is a nice climb, a little less difficult than the previous day and more suited to a puncheur, but there is definitely enough to create gaps.”
This is where Guillermo Thomas Silva will look to add to an already successful 2026 season, with victories in China, at the Giro and in Spain. “It’s my first time here and I’m motivated to fight for the general classification. I’ll try to win, but I’m approaching the race without pressure,” says the XDS Astana leader. He will find Felix Engelhardt (Jayco AlUla) among his rivals. The German champion in June, Engelhardt is still looking for his first victory in his new jersey. “I took a bit of rest after the Tour de France. I hope to get my legs going during the first two days and then be there for the general classification. I don’t know where I stand at the moment, but I’ll definitely try.”
Like Engelhardt, Lennert Van Eetvelt did the Tour de France, where he was sitting 16 th overall before crashing and fighting through to the finish. “I broke some ribs, but I’m much better now,” comments the Belgian from Lotto Intermarché, who is among the week’s leading favourites. “The legs are good! I’ll try not to lose time stupidly over the first two days, and then we’ll see what happens.”
FOR NATIONAL GLORY
Norwegian riders have won 17 of the 48 stages held here. The only former stage winner in the 2026 field, Odd Christian Eiking (Unibet Rose Rockets), claimed victory at Storheia seven years ago, where Stage 3 will finish in three days’ time. “It would be nice to do something similar,” smiles the 31- year-old, whose most recent professional victory came that day, on 17 August 2019. Taking part for the seventh time, 11 years after his first appearance, he is also one of the most experienced riders in Arctic Race of Norway history. “I like being here, and especially this year with the return of the climb where I won,” he says eagerly.
His compatriot Martin Tjotta will line up for the fourth consecutive time, one year after finishing seventh overall. “I hope to do even better!” says the rider from Uno-X Mobility, one of four Norwegian teams competing on home soil. “It’s a great race for the team and for me, with a great route.” Being a local and knowing the race “gives me confidence. Let’s see if that can make me better, although at the end of the day I’m still the same person. I’ll give it my best and we’ll see.” He is one of 30 riders from the host nation, which will be hoping to see a successor to Thor Hushovd (2013) and Andreas Leknessund (2022) crowned.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ARCTIC RACE OF NORWAY?
Showcasing the spectacular landscapes of Northern Norway to the world is one of the Arctic Race of Norway’s main missions. As the event’s host broadcaster, TV2 Norway will produce the live pictures throughout the four days of racing. Eurosport and Max will provide live coverage in 54 territories across Europe and Asia, while SuperSport will cover sub-Saharan Africa, Claro Sports will do it for Latin America, and Abu Dhabi Sports for North Africa and the Middle East.
Among the major annual developments, Eurosport will broadcast every stage on its linear channels, while Basque broadcaster EITB joins the list of rights holders. beIN Sports will broadcast the race across ten territories in Southeast Asia. Other channels and platforms will also provide live coverage, including in France (L’Équipe), Belgium (Sport10, Proximus), Russia (Okko), Great Britain (TNT Sports), Colombia (RCN, Caracol), Israel (Sport5), Japan (Jsports), New Zealand (Sky Sport), Australia (SBS), as well as Canada and the United States (FloBikes).
Fans will also be able to follow the race on social media using the hashtag #ArcticRace. They will even have a say in choosing the winner of the Viking Jersey, an award honouring the best teammate, decided through votes on the race’s official Instagram account (@arcticraceofn).
