ASO announces a new event, the Arctic Race of Norway
The race through northern Norway will take place Aug. 8-11 above the Arctic Circle
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Norway boasts top-level cyclists Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing) and Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky), but the nation does not host a major cycling race.
Until this year.
The Amaury Sport Organisation, which puts on the Tour de France and a number of other major events during the season, has announced the creation of a new race called the Arctic Race of Norway. It will be contested shortly after this year’s Tour de France, Aug. 8-11.
The event, according to an ASO press release, will take the peloton through the Northern part of Norway – which lies above Iceland and is within the Arctic Circle. The exact route of the four-stage event has not yet been released.
“We wish to turn the Arctic Race of Norway into a race that holds an important place on the international race calendar,” ASO CEO Yann Le Moënner said. “The Norwegians’ love for cycling combined with the breathtaking sceneries of northern Norway is a promising combination.”
Norwegian energy company Statoil will be the main sponsor for the first three years.
“This new race has the potential to truly stand out in the world of cycling,” Le Moënner said.