A Cycling Fairytale in Northern Norway

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Aug 06, 2013, 08:00 ET

OSLO, Norway, August 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The most beautiful coastline in the world will make the spectacular backdrop when the world's cycling elite meet in Norway to compete above the Arctic Circle in the northernmost bike race in the world, The Arctic Race of Norway.

From August 8th to August 11th 2013, the magnificent landscapes of Northern Norway will host the first edition of an out-of-the- ordinary four stage race: the Arctic Race of Norway. On Thursday 8th of August at 10.30 the start is in Bodø for the first edition of the Arctic Race of Norway. Having cycled through both Lofoten and Vesterålen, the winner of the fourth and last stage will cross the finish line on Sunday afternoon in Harstad. During these four days the cycling world will have its eyes fixed on what is considered as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The official race ambassador - Thor Hushovd - looks forward to welcoming both national and international cycling stars to the Arctic Race of Norway.

Best of Norway

The area selected as arena for the first edition of the Arctic Race of Norway offers some of the best landscapes and dramatic sceneries that Norway has to offer. The counties of Nordland and Troms hold spectacular fjords and mountains and the route represents a perfect stage for the duelling between the professional riders, who will experience what the unique coastline has to offer in terms of subtleties and varieties.

Start in Bodø

The riders will find themselves more than a thousand kilometres north of the Norwegian capital, as they will take the start of what will be the most Northern race ever in professional road cycling, well above the symbolic line of the Arctic Circle.

The race starts in Bodø with a first circuit stage of 192,5 kilometres and of great variation. The Arctic sun will shine on the riders' backs as they cross Saltstraumen - the world's strongest tidal current - before they ride back into Bodø for the stage finish.

Round trip in Lofoten and to Vesterålen

In the course of two days the riders will experience the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen, an area that represents a national and international jewel. Visiting several fishing communities, the route will only sporadically leave the coast in order to follow the mountain relieff which marks the landscape. Between Svolvær and Stokmarknes the peloton will make a brand new acquaintance: the riders will ride through a subsea tunnel towards the lowest climbing summit in the world and the five climbing points will be handed out at five meters above sea level!

Finish in Harstad

The finish in Harstad on August 11th will be followed by TV-viewers from around 100 countries, with both TV2 and Eurosport broadcasting live every day. Harstad is called the pearl of Vågsfjord and provides a perfect frame for the big finale, where the peloton will ride 5 rounds in the city centre before the first champion of the Arctic Race of Norway is official.

Stages of the Arctic Race of Norway 2013:

1. Thursday August 8th: Bodø - Bodø, 192.5 km

2. Friday August 9th: Svolvær - Svolvær, 156.5 km

3. Saturday August 10th: Svolvær - Stokmarknes, 201.5 km

4. Sunday August 11th: Sortland - Harstad, 155 km

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http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Media-and-Press
http://www.nordnorge.com/en/?News=351
http://www.letour.fr

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Harald Hansen
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