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ALTA, Norway (Velo) — The Arctic Race of Norway begins Thursday with Andreas Leknessund lining up as defending champion.
The 24-year-old Norwegian’s come a great distance in a really quick time period, with some calling him Norway’s finest hope for Tour de France success within the coming years.
Lower than a decade in the past as a wanna-be teen-aged racer, he labored as a volunteer at this four-stage race throughout the fiords and forests of northern Norway.
On Thursday, he’ll line up with the No. 1 beginning bib, and a future as vivid because the midnight solar that lights up the arctic skies almost 24 hours a day throughout the summer time months.
“Particularly for me, I grew up round right here, and I that is the race I used to be watched as a child,” Leknessund instructed Velo. “Ten years in the past, as a 15-year-old, I used to be working within the race as a volunteer. I did the junior race thrice, and now as an elite race and profitable the race, it’s a particular story.”
Additionally learn: Arctic Race of Norway heading to Europe’s most northern paved road
At a thin teenager, Leknessund he would assist out tearing down the boundaries on the end line, and stand in awe of his racing heroes like Thor Hushovd or Alexander Kristoff.
Flash ahead to 2023, and he’s one of many star names on this distinctive race that carries the peloton to Nordkapp on Sunday, the northernmost paved street on continental Europe.
“I understand how particular it was for me as a child to see these professionals within the race, and now I’m right here now because the defending champion,” Leknessund mentioned Wednesday. “I do know what it’s wish to be on the opposite aspect of the fence.”
Leknessund grew up in close by Tromsø, and can headline Crew DSM-Firmenich in opposition to the likes of former winner Dylan Teuns (Israel Premier Tech), Guillaume Martin (Cofidis), Carl Fredrik Hagen (Crew Q36.5), and others.
Racing to Europe’s most northern paved street at Nordkapp
![Arctic Race of Norway](https://velo-cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-532508122.jpg?width=730)
Final summer time on the 2022 Arctic Race — in what was a precursor to his breakout Giro d’Italia this spring that noticed him experience within the pink jersey for a lot of the primary week — Leknessund beat again Tour de France stage-winner Hugo Houle (Israel Premier Tech) to win his first GC crown in his budding professional profession.
Racing and coaching within the Arctic Circle is nothing new for Leknessund, who says he has to maintain one eye out for reindeer and moose that roam the expansive landscapes when he trains in his hometown.
Additionally learn: Five breakout stars of the Giro d’Italia
Now primarily based in Oslo, he’ll be part of the up-and-coming Uno-X group for 2024, and can give the Scandinavian group additional depth because it hopes to earn one other wild card ticket again to the Tour after its success debut in July.
“We are going to see how this system will appear to be, and let’s hope we are able to do the Tour de France,” he mentioned. “I count on I’ll proceed for the subsequent few years, going for phases in stage races.
“A lot of my mates are using there, and it’s an excellent skilled group,” he mentioned of Uno-X. “It is sensible for me proper now.”
Leknessund held on to complete eighth general within the Giro, and after hitting twenty seventh in his Tour de France debut in 2022, the longer term is vivid.
Up first is a title protection on the Arctic Race of Norway.
“It’s very particular for me to be racing right here and to indicate the fellows within the peloton my residence area,” Leknessund mentioned. “You don’t see so many moose, however you actually must be careful for the reindeer.”
![Arctic Race of Norway](https://velo-cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4200-1200x900.jpg?width=730)
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