05/08/2024

Arctic Race of Norway 2024 | Alexander Kristoff doubles up with second victory in as many days on stage 2

Two stages down and two victories in the bag for Alexander Kristoff at the 2024 Arctic Race of Norway, following a dominant sprint victory on stage 2 for the Uno-X Mobility leader.

Four riders attacked early to form the day's breakaway including Tudor Pro Cycling Team's experienced Swiss rider, Simon Pellaud. At one point, the quartet had around five minutes advantage, but heading into the final 40 kilometres, their advantage had already been cut to around 1:40.

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Heading into the final 30 kilometres, just two riders remained out front, albeit now less than a minute clear of the peloton. As expected Pellaud was one of the strongest of the break, joined by Norwegian teenager, Storm Ingebrigtsen. Heading onto a 6km gravel section in the final 20km however, only Pellaud remained out in front, dangling around 20 seconds clear of the bunch.

Finally, with just under 8km to go, Pellaud too was swallowed up by the peloton. With Uno-X Mobility, the team of race leader Alexander Kristoff being on the front of the pack as they had been all day, everyone was fighting for the stage 1 winner's back wheel.

In the sprint for the line, Kristoff was again the dominant victor, with lead out man Magnus Cort Nielsen actually holding on for third as Tom Van Asbroeck of Israel - Premier Tech took second.