NORWEGIAN SHOP WINDOW

The Arctic Race was one of three stage races Norway had in 2018 alongside the Tour of Norway and Tour des Fjords, although the latter two will be merged into a six-day race in 2019. For the young Norwegian riders the Arctic Race was a golden opportunity to showcase what they could do against the pro peloton. “It’s a window for us to show where we are, and especially this year – we’re the youngest team here,” said Leonard Snoecks, DS of the Uno X Norwegian Development team. The team’s six riders' average age was just 20. “It’s a new experience for a couple of them. It’s a tough peloton compared to what they’re used to. It’s nice for them to see the level in the peloton. It can change the career for some of them. If they have a couple of good stages, they will de initely be noticed and people will start following them.”