OSLO, Norway, May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The most beautiful coastline in the world will once again be the spectacular backdrop for the world's cycling elite when they meet in Norway to compete in the northernmost bike race in the world; The Arctic Race of Norway.  

North Cape sets the stage for intense action 

Last year, the Arctic Race of Norway became the first professional cycling race held inside the Arctic Circle. This year it will take it a step further, taking the peloton 400 kilometres further north. The northernmost event in the history of the sport will set an almost unbreakable record with the finish of stage 1 on Europe's northernmost point, The North Cape. This place of outstanding beauty, which towers 400 meteres over the Arctic Ocean, will, be open to the public for free.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140522/687194 )

Four new stages in stunning surroundings 

Running from Thursday August 14^th to 17^th 2014, the 2^nd edition of the Arctic race of Norway will be made up of 4 stages and will cover a total distance of 708 kilometres across Northern Norway and goes as far north as any cycling competition has ever been. The areas chosen represent some of the most spectacular examples of Norwegian nature which will create a perfect backdrop for some of the best cycling in the world.

The race will start above the Arctic Circle in the northernmost city in the world, Hammerfest. The first stage will be 204 kilometers and will finish on the North Cape. During the following two days the cyclists get to experience Honningsvåg, the northern lights town of Alta and a climb up Kvænangsfjellet. The route will cling to the spectacular coastline and the wild Norwegian terrain, providing TV-viewers, spectators and cyclists with magnificent views and images along the route.

Sparks will fly in Tromsø 

The 2014 Arctic Race of Norway will come to a close with a loop stage in the Arctic Town of Tromsø. With five laps in all, potentially decisive bonus seconds on offer at two intermediate sprints, a bump 2 km from the finish line and the prospect of a record-breaking crowd out to watch the first visit of the peloton, everything is in place for cycling fever to grip Tromsø and Norway!

Read more about the stages and the race here:  

• http://www.letour.com/arctic-race-of-norway/2014/us/
• http://www.visitnorway.com/uk/where-to-go-uk/north/the-arctic-race-of-norway-road-cycling-competition-launches1/
• http://www.letour.com/arnchallenge

Contacts for UK:
Anne Line Kaxrud
Phone: +44-20-7389-8821
Mobile: +44-77-6662-6471
anne.line.kaxrud@innovationnorway.no

SOURCE Visit Norway