05/08/2018

Sun, smiles and happy finishers on the third stage of the Maserati Haute Route Norway

The sun made a much-welcomed appearance this morning as riders assembled in the port of Stavanger and lined up for the individual time trial stage 3. At 17.6km in length and with just over 300m of climbing, this third and final stage offered a final test before they would be able to call themselves Haute Route finishers.

Waiting to get underway, Markus Kajanto from Finland was looking forward to the final stage of his first Haute Route: “I’m excited for this final day,” he said, “I’m delighted the sun is here it helps us see how beautiful the region is. I think this three-day format is perfect, I’d done a lot of one-day events but after a while that is no longer a challenge so I decided to do this”.

“I’ve done better than I expected,” he added, “I thought I would be right towards the back of the peloton but actually I’m in the middle. I guess that is good, it means I trained enough!”

Rolling down the ramp at 20 second intervals in reverse order of the general classification, riders set off for a technical, hilly and demanding course through the city of Stavanger to finish with a view across the sea and the city whilst stood atop Ullandhaugtårnet.

Winding out of the city centre and into the suburbs, riders were faced with a series of short and steep climbs that were very testing on their tired legs, but everyone was able to power through and make their way to the finish line to claim their prized finisher medal.

Fernando Jiminez from Costa Rica immortalised the moment at the top of the final climb by getting a picture with his bike held above his head. Enjoying the moment before sharing his experience: “It was amazing to cycle through the different areas of the city, it was an interesting profile for a time trial” he said, “the climbs were steep, and the legs were burning, but it’s the last day and the last effort so we are here now celebrating at the finish line!”

Alison Wyatt from Great Britain was delighted to have finished and looking forward to relaxing this afternoon: “the time trial had some demanding and steep sections,” she said, “this was my first Haute Route, I think did alright and I enjoyed it, but my legs are getting tired. I’m definitely looking forward to a beer and some food now!”.

Tim Clements from the UK reflected on his first Haute Route experience as well after snapping some pictures at the summit: “it’s been fantastic,” he exclaimed, “this was my first Haute Route and my first time in Norway. I was longing to come here and it’s really lived up to expectations”.

“I don’t usually do time trials,” he added, “but the course was great and was really well marshalled. Everything felt like it was in a different league this weekend, I really enjoyed every moment. I’m already looking forward to the next one!”.

At the front of the race today it was Frenchman Loic Ruffaut who posted the fastest time ahead of James O’Connell and the overall winner William Turnes. For the ladies race it was Lucy Deschamps who took the stage win once again, bumping herself up to second overall in the process behind winner Beathe Tvelta. The DUO races were won by the overall winners in each category once again, Team Autoxo Sport, Team Yorkshire and Team Lou Al Fjord Rock.

After three days of incredible riding in Norway, the international peloton of Haute Route riders all celebrated at the closing ceremony this afternoon, taking place at the Red Sea House. Reflecting on their achievements and celebrating with the new friends, everyone was able to enjoy the moment and enjoy their status of finisher of the inaugural Maserati Haute Route Norway.

Now in full swing, the Haute Route season continues in just under two weeks’ time with the Haute Route Pyrenees followed by the Haute Route Alps. The exciting summer of events will then close out with the Haute Route Dolomites in September and the Haute Route Ventoux on the first weekend of October. Stay tuned on the website and social media channels to get the coverage of these next events.