What Is 2017 Arctic Race of Norway

Overview

The 2017 Arctic Race of Norway was a four-day professional road cycling stage race held in the northern regions of Norway. As part of the UCI Europe Tour’s 2.1 classification, it attracted top-tier continental and ProTour teams aiming to gain points and visibility.

Spanning from August 10 to August 13, the race covered a total distance of 583 kilometers across challenging terrain, including coastal roads and mountainous climbs. The event highlighted Norway’s dramatic Arctic landscapes while promoting the country as a destination for elite cycling.

• Stage 1 began in Harstad and ended in Sortland, covering 174 kilometers with a flat finish favoring sprinters.
• Stage 2 ran from Sørvågen to Stokmarknes, a 166-kilometer route that included rolling hills and crosswinds.
• Stage 3 started in Fauske and finished in Narvik, a 134-kilometer stage with a steep climb near the end.
• Stage 4 was a 109-kilometer loop around Tromsø, featuring technical roads and a sprint finish.
• The race was won by Michal Kwiatkowski of Team Sky, who secured the leader’s yellow jersey.

How It Works

The Arctic Race of Norway follows the standard format of multi-stage professional cycling races, with time bonuses, classifications, and team tactics playing key roles.

• Stage Race Format: The event consists of multiple stages completed over consecutive days. Each stage contributes to the overall general classification.
• General Classification (GC): The rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wins the yellow jersey and the race.
• Points Classification: Sprinters compete for the green jersey, awarded based on stage finishes and intermediate sprints.
• Mountains Classification: The polka-dot jersey is awarded to the best climber, with points given at designated climbs.
• Team Classification: Calculated by adding the times of the top three riders from each team per stage.
• Young Rider Classification: The white jersey goes to the highest-placed rider under 25 in the general classification.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 edition compares to prior years in terms of route, distance, and competition level.

The 2017 race was slightly shorter than previous editions, reflecting a trend toward tighter, more concentrated routes. Despite the reduced distance, the competition remained intense, with ProTour teams like Team Sky and Katusha–Alpecin fielding strong squads. The consistent UCI 2.1 status since 2014 has elevated the race’s profile in the European cycling calendar.

Why It Matters

The Arctic Race of Norway has become a key event for developing cycling culture in Scandinavia and showcasing Arctic geography to a global audience. It also serves as a late-summer preparation race for riders targeting the World Championships.

• Promotes Norwegian Tourism: The race highlights remote Arctic regions, boosting local economies and international visibility.
• Develops Local Talent: Norwegian riders gain experience competing alongside world-class professionals.
• Boosts UCI Profile: As a 2.1 event, it attracts teams aiming to accumulate valuable ranking points.
• Encourages Infrastructure Investment: Host towns improve roads and logistics for the event’s arrival.
• Supports Broadcast Growth: Eurosport and local networks provide live coverage, increasing cycling’s media presence.
• Inspires Youth Cycling: School programs and local events are often tied to the race’s visit.

The 2017 edition reinforced the race’s reputation as a challenging yet accessible event, combining athletic competition with cultural promotion. With continued support, the Arctic Race of Norway is poised to grow further within the global cycling landscape.