NORDSJØRITTET:
An extreme cycling experience.

[Translation: Crispen T.P. de Lange]

This year’s Nordsjørittet cycle race was an experience I won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Violent headwinds, pouring rain and only 9 degrees at the start ensured that the 92 kilometres from Egersund to Sandnes were unspeakably demanding. I’m deeply impressed by the 8.000 cyclists who completed the race.

Kenneth and I started in the first group, starting at 7:50 on Saturday morning. We didn’t have time to warm up, so it was a somewhat brutal start at full speed from the very beginning. With the driving rain and the strong headwinds, it was bound to be a tough day on our bikes.

It turned out to be even tougher than I had imagined beforehand, and I’m full of admiration for all those who got to the finish yesterday. It felt like there was a violent storm out in the North Sea and that we almost literally got to taste the sea as it was whipped up next to the road by the coast. There must be a fair measure of Viking blood left in these tough cyclists who completed this year’s Nordsjøritt. About 1.000 cyclists had to break off their race, much due to the tough weather conditions.

I was in a group of seven people, which left the rest after about 20 kilometres. We cooperated well together and we managed to maintain a good speed through the various parts of the race. At times it was enough just staying upright on one’s bike, as the wind was tugging at both body and bike, especially out by the open ocean. The heavy rain meant low visibility, and at times I had great difficulties managing to see anything at all.

Half-way through the race, as I was losing all feeling in my fingers and toes, with my eyes full of sand and my body beginning to get seriously cold, I sent a thought to everybody who was coming behind us. Those who don’t do too much exercise on a regular basis, tend to use 5-6 hours on the race when the sun is out and the wind is only tugging mildly at the grass and bushes. They were going to suffer badly on this race.

Luckily the mood of the weather gods changed as the day progressed, so that those starting at eleven or later didn’t have any rain and even got glimpses of sun on their faces.  The wind was still fierce, but it certainly must have helped to avoid that whipping rain. Even so, I admire everybody who completed the Nordsjørittet race this year. It was a great accomplishment that you can be proud of for many years to come.

I felt good throughout the race yesterday (despite the rough weather), probably the best feeling so far this year, and that makes both Kenneth and me happy. Training-wise I got to push my motor well, in addition to getting to train lots of speed by staying in a group of fit male cyclists. Kenneth also had a good day on his bike and probably could have continued for more hours yesterday. Kenneth and I used 3 hours and 13 minutes on the race, and that would have been a fourth place out of everybody who started, including elite men and women.

I spoke to many people through the rest of the day yesterday, who had struggled their way through and completed the race, some more worn out than others, but even so, most were in good spirits. I didn’t hear anybody say: “Nordsjørittet – never again!” Cycling is a great experience, no matter what the weather conditions may be. This year’s Nordsjørittet has definitely provided many fun and memorable stories which will be repeated at various work-places for weeks and months to come.

A big thanks to the organization which once again completed the task on behalf of us cyclists. I am proud to be an ambassador for Nordsjørittet, which provides so many cyclists with enjoyment as they prepare and follow the development towards the race. NEXT STOP: EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.

We are now leaving for Italy, already on Tuesday, where we’ll be staying for almost two weeks, preparing for the European Marathon Championships / Gunn-Rita Marathon, taking place on the 27^th of June. Only 12 days later I’ll be taking part in the European Cross-Country Championship in Israel. Both of these championships are important competitions for Kenneth and me. In other words, we’re entering a very exciting period. My physical shape is well on its way, so we have a lot to look forward to J

It’s bedtime here at home and it feels like my somewhat stiff and achy body could do with some hours of sleep after yesterday’s cycling experience. I wish you all many great experiences on your two-wheelers these coming weeks.