2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:43 Page 22
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Festivals in Norway
“Our slogan is ‘for most people’ – and that’s the exact definition of Nordsjørittet. Young people, old people, men and women – everyone is welcome to try out road cycle racing,” says Siri Ommedal, Manager for Nordsjørittet.
Racing west – and to the top “It’s fun, it’s a great way to exercise, it’s kind to nature and the environment, and it’s a fantastic way to get around. It’s also accessible to a growing number of people,” says Siri Ommedal, Manager for Nordsjørittet, about the infinite possibilities and attractions of bicycle racing. With 12,500 excited participants of all different ages taking part in this race every year, Nordsjørittet has become known as the race ‘for most people’. Having lined up thousands of cyclists for 2015’s race already, the atmosphere is set – and it will be nothing short of amazing. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Nordsjørittet
“To me, this is the most beautiful cycle race in Norway,” Ommedal says, depicting the 91-km race further as “simply stunning” and “suitable for all levels of difficulty and proficiency”. Now in its 18th year, Nordsjørittet has welcomed thousands of cyclists between the ages of 17 and 84, of whom a regular 20 per cent quota are women, who all compete for the great win. Between 400 and 500 teams and businesses take part every year, and make up a large portion of the spectacular feeling Nordsjørittet is famous for. And,
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set in some of the most beautiful nature sceneries of western Norway, you can hardly go wrong with a spot in the line-up. All-encompassing: sports, nature and culture “The race starts in Egersund and finishes in Sandnes – two of the most gorgeous parts of the country. We’re a road race, but the substrate varies between gravel and asphalt, and the terrain is both hilly and sweeping. This way you will experience a wide variety of what our country
has to offer throughout the whole race, a welcome addition to the whole experience,” says Ommedal, adding: “You will also meet the sea at one point, and cycle along the white beaches. All in all, it’s sports, nature and culture at its finest.” Holding a firm belief that cycling should be both physically and spiritually developing, while also being an inclusive sport with great possibilities for development, Nordsjørittet has made a point of striving for a higher female participant rate. While one fifth of participants currently are female, Ommedal says she hopes for even more women to find an appreciation and passion for cycling. This, she says, is part of the reason why Nordsjørittet has added a new, 45km long distance to their 2015 racing repertoire, launched as a stepping stone on the way to the full-length race. “Some women want to start out with a shorter race, where they can get a feel for