The Arctic Race Of Norway - The World's Cycling Elite Meets Above The Arctic Circle

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

From 8 August to 11 August 2013, the iconic coastline of Northern Norway will host the Arctic Race of Norway. A few weeks after the end of the Tour de France, the international peloton will be given the opportunity to compete above the Arctic Circle. Together with Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation, Arctic Race of Norway AS organise the new race.

Race between peaky mountains and fjords
The race consists of four stages, and the areas chosen include fjords and peaky mountains. The race starts above the Arctic Circle in the city of Bodø. The first stage is 192,5 kilometres, and is the hilliest of the four stages. During the following two days the cyclists experience the magnificent islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. The route clings to the spectacular coastline with its characteristic peaky mountains. The cyclists finish in Harstad 11th August. The cyclists will cycle five rounds through the center of this small town, before the first winner of the Arctic Race of Norway will be announced.

"We wish to turn the Arctic Race of Norway into a race that holds an important place on the international race calendar. The Norwegians' love for cycling combined with the breathtaking sceneries of Northern Norway is a promising combination: this new race has the potential to truly stand out in the world of cycling", said Yann Le Moënner, Amaury Sport Organisation CEO.

The four stages in the Arctic Race of Norway 2013: Total 705,5 km
Thursday 8th August, first stage: Bodø - Bodø, 192.5 km
Friday 9th August, second stage: Svolvær - Svolvær, 156 km
Saturday 10th August, third stage: Svolvær - Stokmarknes, 201.5 km
Sunday 11th August, fourth stage: Sortland - Harstad, 155 km
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For more information :
www.visitnorway.com/en/Media-and-Press
www.nordnorge.com/en/?News=351
www.letour.fr
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For further information please contact: Anne Line Kaxrud Anne.Line.Kaxrud@innovationnorway.no